Daycare Owner Accused Of Murder Had Previous Charges

Monday, May 21st 2007, 3:10 pm

By: News On 6

A Tulsa daycare provider accused of murdering a 2-year-old in her care is behind bars being held without bond. Vicki Chiles was arrested last week when authorities, there to shut down the center based on a different accusation of child abuse, found an unconscious toddler. The case still has many parents angry and confused. Chiles may be sitting in jail for awhile before she's officially charged. Authorities are still investigating these accusations. The News On 6â€™s Heather Lewin reports still some are wondering why it took so long to get her there and if quicker action could have saved a little boy's life.

Chiles was already under investigation for abuse when Tulsa Police hauled her away in handcuffs from the daycare she runs on east 3rd Street. Chiles was arrested after police say DHS workers found her doing CPR on a two-year-old she's accused of smothering with tape. DHS went to the center after felony charges were filed accusing Chiles of beating an 8-year-old with a fly swatter, although past allegations of abuse were â€˜unsubstantiated.â€™

According to the case history from DHS, one complaint against the daycare was proven true, in November of 2005 accusations of inappropriate behavior spanking of a child, not by Chiles, but by an assistant. The record shows in January of 2006 a notice to comply was issued, instructing Chiles to complete training, reduce the number of children enrolled, hours of operation and that she would have increased monitoring visits.

Chiles had nine more DHS visits that year, which cited only minor complaints. Her business remained open until police came to arrest her on felony abuse charges, only to find, for one child, they came too late. DHS officials said they couldn't comment on the Chiles case or whether they're obligated to notify parents and quickly shut a daycare center down when a provider is charged with a crime.

"There's no hard and fast blanket rule for that kind of incidence," said DHS spokesperson Mary Leaver.

Leaver said if a person running a daycare facility is charged with a felony, it is up to them to tell DHS or they could lose their license. Reputable providers say parents should ask lots of questions and make surprise visits. You can make an appointment to look at your care provider's file.

Watch the video: Previous Accusations For Daycare Owner Accused Of Murder

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Related story:

5/17/2007 2-Year-Old Dies After Being Tied Up At Daycare, Says Police