Two young children found walking alone after leaving unofficial daycare in Sussex County; woman charged
SPARTA TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – Two young children were found walking alone after leaving an unofficial daycare in Sparta Township, resulting in charges against a woman.
On January 10, at around 11:32 a.m., officers responded to a report of two young children, both around 2 years old, walking unattended on Winona Parkway, police said.
The children were found wearing minimal clothing and were brought to safety by a concerned citizen who contacted 911. Sparta EMS evaluated the children, and fortunately, they were unharmed, police said.
The investigation revealed that the children had wandered from an unofficial daycare operated by Erin D. Connor, 42, of Sparta Township. Connor allegedly admitted she was unaware the children had left the residence while she was occupied with another child. The children’s guardians were contacted and took custody of the children after completing the necessary evaluations and documentation, police said.
Following a thorough investigation, Connor was charged on January 11 with two counts of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of Children. She was released pending a court appearance, according to police.
The Sparta Township Police Department also notified the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) and the Institutional Abuse Unit, who will conduct further evaluations and take additional actions, police said.
“This case underscores the importance of vigilance in child supervision and the shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in our community,” police stated.
