Licensed Woodbridge Day Care Owner Charged With Abduction, Child Abuse
No other abuse has so far been reported, police say.
The owner of a licensed home day care in Woodbridge has been charged with abduction, child abuse and neglect after a 4-year-old girl was reportedly left in a utility closet with her hands tied behind her back, Prince William County police said in a release.
Detectives from the Physical Abuse Unit and investigators from Child Protective Services investigated a report that abuse had occurred at a residential day care in the 1900 block of Brooke Farm Court in Woodbridge. On Friday, they executed a search warrant at the address.
"The investigation revealed that on [Wednesday,] Aug. 22, the victim, a 4-year-old girl of Woodbridge, was placed in an unlit utility closet, with her hands tied behind her back, for approximately 10 minutes by the accused as a form of discipline," police spokesperson Jonathan Perok said. "Other children were present at the time of the offense, however no other abuse was reported."
Valerie Caye Hjort, 56, was arrested after the investigation, and was charged with abduction, child abuse and neglect. Her court date is unavailable. She is being held without bond.
Editor's Note: The above information came from the Prince William County Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned it does not indicate a conviction.
Lakeridge resident
11:53 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
OMG! 2 1/2 years ago I was seeking child care form my newborn and I interviewed this woman. Fortunetly (THANK GOD) I did not choose her and went with another child care provider whom to this day I am very very happy with and trust with my child. Finding childcare is the hardest decision a mother/parent has to make in her life to trust a stranger with your child.
Good Riddens! -- take her licence away from her.
Shaker
12:43 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
These people need to be caged for a long time. Adults that abuse children should not live among us but eithe put down or caged like a dangerous animal.
Nate Powell
12:48 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
I was baby sat by this woman for almost 10 years. She was a very good provider whos only love was for the children. The fact of this matter is that it could have been another child or a helper, but because it is her daycare she was held liable. Ms. Valerie has been running a daycare out of her home for at least twenty years and you want to take her job and business from her on a 4 year olds account. Riiiight.
Lakeridge resident
4:31 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
I guess you do not have any children of your own because how can you defend this woman or her business. She alowed it and she should be aware of what goes on in her business when she is respondible for providing a safe environment for CHILDREN. A child is a innocent person that cannot protect his/herself, so if this
was your child you would not believe/protect your child by all mean necessary? I would die for my child and if anyone were to treat my child in any unsafe manner I will be gong to jail that day! People say the world is changing NO, ITS NOT THE WORLD IT PEOPLE!
Rachel Leon
7:03 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
This article has some good tips about protecting your child from abuse or assault at day care: http://woodbridge-va.patch.com/articles/protecting-your-child-from-abuse-or-assault-at-day-care
Lisa Valdez
5:48 pm on Thursday, August 30, 2012
So, let me get this straight Nate; putting the girl in the closet was done for disciplinary reasons, and you think another child did it? Use your brain.