MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Police Department as well as the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and Department of Human Services are looking into allegations of inappropriate touching at a Northeast Memphis church day care.
One week ago police say they started looking into a forcible fondling accusation at Trafalgar Village Baptist daycare on Summer Avenue.
According to parents who reached out to WREG a day care employee is under investigation. The parents say they are worried the church is trying to hide it.
“It’s very shocking. This a good Christian foundation church. We don’t go along with all that,” said church member Alicia Griffin. “I don’t know of anyone in that church that would harm a child.”
A woman at the front desk Monday said she wasn’t aware of anything going on.
The Department of Human Services confirmed it is investigating a complaint filed on April 16. Police say a forcible fondling report was filed just last week.
Another woman at the daycare admitted they were aware of the allegations but didn’t answer further questions.
“The necessary actions have been taken and everything is being handled by the proper authorities. There’s no other comment,” she said.
Griffin says she’s been going to the church for almost 14 years and if the allegations are true then she wants the person responsible to face consequences.
“If this has happened let’s find the square root and get to the bottom of it,” she said.
According to DHS’ website there are more than 200 children being cared for at the daycare.
DHS says right now the daycare is complying with the investigation. The daycare employee who is being investigated needs to be supervised at all times.
WREG obtained a copy of a letter that was sent home to parents saying the employee has been suspended indefinitely.
The daycare’s history shows no complaints dating back to 2013. MPD says no one has been arrested or charged in connection with this case.
