Moundville Police Chief Toby Banks has announced significant developments in an ongoing child abuse investigation at the Moundville Methodist Daycare. Chief Banks has been actively encouraging parents and guardians with concerns or potential reports of abuse to reach out to the police department. Amidst what he described as a “hectic time,” Banks reassured the community that every call is being taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
The investigation, which has seen the police department working extended hours, led to the arrest of Ada Jimerson, a 59-yearold former employee of the daycare, on charges of Child Abuse on April 9. According to Chief Banks, Jimerson is alleged to have used kitchen spoons to hit children and resorted to biting as a form of punishment. Child Abuse is classified as a Class C felony in Alabama, highlighting the gravity of the accusations.
Jimerson’s arrest follows the earlier detention of the church’s pastor and the daycare’s director, who are facing charges for Obstruction of Governmental Operations and Failure to Report Abuse. This action came after the police received credible tips on April 2 regarding potential physical abuse within the daycare facility. Despite conversations with daycare director Hope Lee and Pastor Mike Cobb, it became evident that certain allegations had not been reported as required by Alabama’s mandatory reporting laws.
The police’s initial attempts to investigate were met with resistance on April 8 when they were barred entry by Pastor Cobb, leading to the issuance of a search warrant for daycare records and the subsequent arrests. Both Lee and Cobb are currently held at the Hale County Jail, each on a $1500 bond.
Chief Banks expressed his department’s commitment to protecting the children involved and lamented the situation’s escalation due to a lack of cooperation and timely reporting from the daycare officials. As the investigation proceeds, the Moundville Police Department is focusing on bringing to light the full extent of the abuse and ensuring the safety of all children involved. A meeting with parents and families is being planned to discuss the situation further, with details to be provided as the investigation allows.
