Ashland daycare owner accused of physically abusing, neglecting children, court documents state

ASHLAND, Neb. —

An Ashland daycare owner faces multiple negligent child abuse charges.

Roberta Willard, who owns Willard Babies, was arrested for seven counts of misdemeanor negligent child abuse last week, court documents state.

According to court documents, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services received reports that the 55-year-old Willard was physically abusing and neglecting children who attend the daycare.

Willard was accused of grabbing children by the arm and throwing them up against a cabinet door, court documents state.

Before suspension, Willard Babies was permitted to care for up to a dozen three-month to 10 year old children at a time.

The 14-page arrest affidavit written by a Ashland Police Department Sergeant includes several more accusations, including withholding food and water as a form of punishment, not allowing children to use the bathroom and yelling.

Law enforcement spoke with Willard, who gave explanations for some of the allegations, according to court documents. The daycare was placed under an emergency closure on June 2.

Willard’s attory, Justin Kalemkiarian of Liberty Law Group, told KETV in a statement: “I am still reviewing the court documents and getting up to speed, but Ms. Willard has a history of providing safe and high-quality childcare. These are serious allegations and we will work hard to review the evidence and protect Ms. Willard’s Constitutional rights.”

Willard is scheduled to appear in court in Saunders County on July 30.

Annual inspections of Willard Babies since 2019 show no major violations. However, a January 2024 DHHS investigation sustained an allegation that Willard transported children to and from school without car seats or seatbelts.

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.

NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |