L’Observateur / August 19, 2000

BOUTTE – Two women were arrested and Kiddie Kottage Daycare was closed after a joint investigation into claims of child abuse by the St.

Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the district attorney’s office, the state child protection office and the daycare licensing agency.

Kiddie Kottage Director Hope S. Wester, 39, 14061 Old Spanish Trail,Boutte, and her daughter, Amber Dupre, 19, 14740 Cajun Paradise Road, Paradis, each were charged Tuesday with cruelty to juveniles on warrants signed by 29th Judicial District Judge Kirk Granier.

Both were released Wednesday on their own recognizance.

The facility, located at 14075 Old Spanish Trail, Boutte, received its license to operate on June 10, 1999, according to state records.

Witnesses claim children were intentionally neglected and treated roughly, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s office.

Dupre allegedly grabbed infants by the arms and lugged them from one room to another by one arm, according to witnesses. A 2-year-old wasalso allegedly carried by one arm and thrown into another room.

Unsafe practices also turned up in the investigation, including placing toddlers in an infant carrier and placing that on a flimsy card table. Thisresulted in at least one injury when the table collapsed.

The Louisiana Daycare Licensing Agency also detailed violations, including improper storing of medication and corrosive materials in reach of children, leaving children unsupervised for long periods of time, withholding food as a form of punishment and the use of pressure points as a form of discipline.

Wester was also charged with desertion.

Return To News Stories