Aurora – Aurora police on Thursday recommended felony charges against a woman who ran a home child-care center where a 17-month-old boy was found wedged between a crib and a bed.
The boy, Zavion Brown, later died.
Police are seeking Class 3 felony charges of criminally negligent child abuse resulting in death against the child-care operator, Addie Lee Perry, 61.
Police say that on Jan. 5 a friend of Perry’s found the child, who wasn’t breathing. Rescue efforts were started, but life support was discontinued Jan. 9
In a previous interview, the boy’s mother, Chanel Orme, didn’t blame Perry for her son’s death. The boy’s father, Maliek Bailey, said he doesn’t want Perry to receive any jail time but still holds her responsible.
The Rev. Paul Burleson, who has acted as family spokesman, said Thursday that he was disappointed at the recommendation of charges.
“It’s just an unfortunate accident; the family has said so,” Burleson said. “There is no animosity. For a family to have lost a child and still holds no resentment or vengeance, I think it’s unfortunate. … We felt we had some closure. We hoped authorities would come to the same conclusion that the family came up with, that Zavion was a victim of a horrific accident.”
Burleson said Perry has been under pressure and has been supported by Zavion’s family.
“I assure you that she has the support of the community and the religious community,” Burleson said. “I have heard nothing but the highest regard for Ms. Perry. She is an upright citizen.”
Charges were submitted to the 18th Judicial District attorney’s office, which is reviewing the case.
A Class 3 felony carries a sentencing range of no prison time to 12 years.
Liz McDonough, spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services, said it is unusual for a child to die in child care.
“It’s rare, but deaths do occur,” she said.
Perry was told by state authorities to cease and desist offering child care out of her home when it was determined that she wasn’t following the rules for an unlicensed facility. Colorado law says a child-care center doesn’t need a license if it follows certain guidelines. All the children must belong to the owner or they must be first relatives, meaning nieces, nephews or grandchildren.
Also, the facility may care for one other family, but all of those children must be relatives of one another.
Perry was caring for several children from different families unrelated to her, McDonough said.
“Our licensing worker notified her that that kind of care deserves a license,” she said. “It’s our understanding that she has ceased to offer child care.”
Staff writer Jeremy P. Meyer can be reached at 303-820-1175 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com.
