Ditmas Park Day Care Operator Arrested in Florida Child Death

NBC is reporting that Cecily Roberts, the operator of L.R. Academy on Ditmas Avenue and E. 23rd St., has been arrested after being charged with aggravated manslaughter and felony child care misrepresentation.

A Brooklyn day care operator and her daughter were arrested Friday for their alleged involvement in the death of a 4-year-old boy in the care of a Florida day care center last month, authorities said.
Cecily Roberts, 43, who operates the L.R. Academy in Ditmas Park, and Camille Gordon, 20, were arrested by the NYPD, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

The lawsuit filed by the child’s parents alleges that the day care was overcrowded and children were moved to avoid government inspection. The child fell asleep in the SUV and was forgotten.

ABC is reporting that 4-year-old Jordan Coleman died “in a sweltering van.”

Police say Cecily Roberts and her 20-year-old daughter fled to Brooklyn and even tried to advertise daycare services out of a home, although neighbors say they haven’t seen any parents dropping off their kids.
“The sign’s been there for a couple years, but to be honest, I’ve never seen any kids coming or going to the place,” said Tony Brown, a neighbor.
The daycare banner above the front door has since been removed.

Photo: NBC