Virginia officials have launched an investigation into Minnieland Academy after an employee was charged with sexually assaulting four girls.
The Virginia Department of Social Services tells Potomac Local that it’s child protective services and child licensing divisions are now looking into the daycare center’s operations.
Police said 27-year-old Taylor Boykin, of Nokesville, sexually assaulted four girls at the center. The first victim to notify her parents of the abuse was a five-year-old girl who told her parents about the assault, which, according to police, occurred March 26.
Police later identified three other victims in the case, all aged five years old, and charged Boykin with sexual battery, sexual object penetration, and indecent liberties by a custodian charges. A judge today denied the suspect bond.
Virginia’s Department of Social Services tells us it will investigate all claims of abuse at the center, located at 10368 Bristow Center Drive.
The department adds the investigation is required by law following allegations of abuse. The probe into the daycare center should take between 45 and 90 days, and, at that time, Minnieland will be made aware of the findings and any corrective action mandated by the state.
Updated 4:50 p.m.
From an email form Minnieland Academy founders Chuck and Jackie Leopold:
“We at Minnieland Academy are shocked and horrified by the recent allegations and we are relieved that a Prince William County court has denied bond for our former teacher aide, Taylor Boykin. We believe Mr. Boykin should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for violating the trust of the parents and children we serve.
We know we have work to do to rebuild trust within the community as we fulfill our mission to ensure a safe and nurturing environment. We have fully cooperated with investigative authorities and we will continue to do so. In light of this horrific event we have reviewed our operations and protocols to ensure that the children in our care are as safe as possible.
In addition to our own review, we will be retaining an independent authority to conduct a comprehensive review of all our policies and practices. We are offering counseling to parents and children on identifying abuse, and we pledge to be open and transparent about any additional improvements. Again, we sincerely apologize for the distress that this ordeal has caused.
We understand some families may choose to select another provider going forward, and we are waiving any notification requirement as well as refunding any pre-paid deposits for terminating service with Minnieland Academy at Bristow for the remainder of 2018.”
