Lawrence school administrators make their first court appearance for failing to report alleged child abuse

WAUKESHA – Two administrators are now closed Lawrence School Preschool and Daycare Center Several children appeared in Waukesha County Circuit Court for the first time Thursday to face felony charges related to their alleged roles in the abuse.

Catherine Asher, 52, of Waukesha, and Annemarie Fraker, 26, of Sussex, who were both directors of the Saylesville Road facility when Waukesha authorities The investigation began Preschool teacher Heather Miller, who faces multiple felony charges, is due back in court on March 10 for a preliminary hearing. Both remain free on a $5,000 signature bond, which was signed in court.

As part of their first appearance in court, the charges and possible penalties were presented to the defendants. If convicted, Asher and Fraker each face a maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Asher and Fraker are charged with one count each of failure to act to prevent bodily harm to a child. According to a criminal complaint filed Jan. 26, they initially denied any knowledge of allegations that Miller abused a 1-year-old boy in the nursery despite claims another Lawrence school employee reported seeing the abuse.

Miller remained employed at the facility for several weeks after the alleged Aug. 17 incident until Waukesha police executed a search warrant at the school on Sept. 14, cleared the children’s preschool and ultimately closed the school. His arrest.

In an amended indictment, Miller now faces five felony charges: child abuse – intentional infliction of bodily harm and second-degree recklessly endangering the safety of the boy in connection with the incident, and three other counts of physical abuse of a child by a child care provider, including Three involved. other small children. The hearing in that case is scheduled for April 13.

He has denied the charges and remains free on a $6,000 cash bond.

Miller could face significantly higher penalties: up to 10 years and a $25,000 fine for second-degree reckless endangerment, and six years and a $10,000 fine for each count of child abuse, with prison time potentially increased to five years because of his role in providing child care services to the victims.

The story continues

The daycare center remains closed, and the Waukesha School District has severed ties with the facility as a co-op site for morning and afternoon 4K classes. The school has encountered one before Long list of concerns and violations Prior to the present criminal case.

Contact Jim Riccioli at (262) 446-6635 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Jaricioli.

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This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Lawrence school principals appear in court in child abuse case