(PatrioticPost.com)- The owner of a Colorado daycare was sentenced to six years behind bars last week after she was found guilty in August of 26 counts of child abuse, one count of attempting to influence a peace officer, and three counts of operating a daycare without a license.
Carla Faith, the owner of Mountain Play Place, was arrested in late 2019 after authorities received reports that Faith had been caring for more children than was she was legally allowed.
On November 13, 2019, the Department of Human Services and the Colorado Springs Police Department conducted a welfare check at Play Mountain Place. When officers arrived, they found no children at the facility, so they attempted to contact Faith at her residence, located on the same property. And as they tried to reach Faith, officers reported hearing children making noises.
In searching the property, officers found a false wall that led to the home’s basement. Officers went down the stairs and discovered two adults and 26 children, all of whom were under the age of three, inside the unfinished basement.
Carla Faith was only licensed to care for up to six children at her private daycare and only two of them were allowed to be under the age of 2. During the trial, her lawyer argued that she did not have malicious intentions, only that she found it difficult to say no to parents in need of her assistance.
The defense contended that Faith’s business grew because she was so good at her job. The only mistake she made, her lawyers argued, was not applying for the appropriate license.
During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, a number of the victims’ parents spoke in court detailing how their children’s time at Mountain Play Place still affects their families two years later. One parent told the court that both of her children are still receiving counseling and to this day, they sleep with all the lights on in the house.
Three other employees at Mountain Play Place were also charged in the case. One, Valerie Fresquez, accepted a plea deal and later testified at Faith’s hearing. Another employee was also found guilty of the same charges as Carla Faith, but has yet to be sentenced. A third employee skipped out on court and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
