RICHMOND, Ky. (LEX 18) — LEX 18 was in court Tuesday morning, where six people pleaded not guilty in connection with a child abuse case at a Richmond daycare.
According to court documents, Jessica Houk, Brooklyn Houk, Theodrick Hersey, Elizabeth Thomas, Khrystian Greer, and Amaris Hamilton entered not guilty pleas.
Their preliminary hearings are set for May 14 at 9:30 a.m.
A total of nine people have been arrested as a result of the investigation.
Amanda Spears, Trinity Huff and Abigail Greer were also charged in connection to this investigation but were not in court on Tuesday.
In addition to a civil suit that’s been filed by a parent of one of the children, police have charged all 9 with forms of abuse that include, spitting on children, pulling a child by the arm, withholding food and drink and cruel forms of punishment.
Houck and Hersey are listed as co-owners of The Kid’s Club Childcare Center and A Step Ahead Daycare.
Thomas is the lone suspect in custody. Police say she confessed to at least one episode of spitting on a child, while admitting to losing her temper at times with children under her supervision. She was arrested on two separate occasions connected to this investigation.
