A local day care provider could be facing as much as a decade in prison after separate incidents led to fractured skulls for two children.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Tiffany Dawn Whitaker, 36, of 14038 Pleasant Ridge Drive, Marysville, charging her with two counts of endangering children.
According to court documents, on Jan. 15, 2020, Whitaker was being paid to care for a 1-year-old child. When the parent arrived and took the child home, they noticed that he wasn’t eating and had some bruising. The child was taken to a pediatric urgent care and eventually diagnosed with a skull fracture.
The incident was reported to local officials. Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips said the woman was not charged but “that matter was still under investigation.”
He said investigators were trying to find out what happened because there were differing, inconsistent stories about how the child was injured.
On Dec. 12, 2020, another investigation was opened. Phillips said at that time, Whitaker was providing daycare for a different 1-year-old child. When the parent arrived at the woman’s home to pick up the child, they discovered the child was bleeding from his ear. The child was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital where he was diagnosed with a ruptured ear drum and a fractured skull.
“At that point another investigation ensued with the Department of Job and Family Services and the Sheriff’s Office,” Phillips said.
He said medical professionals cannot tell investigators what did happen, but have said Whitaker’s explanation “is not consistent with the injuries.” Phillips said Whitaker is charged with endangering children because there is no indication she acted with intent to harm the child, “but she didn’t seek medical attention right away when she should have.”
He said that adults have a duty to care for children, especially when they are being paid.
“Parents have to be able to trust these people,” he said.
If convicted, Whitaker could face as many as 10 years in prison.
Also indicted was:
– Corey Brunk, 33, of the Toledo Correctional Institute. Brunk is charged with one count of sexual battery.
Phillips said that in August of 2020, Brunk was a corrections officer at Ohio Reformatory for Women. He said Brunk allegedly had a sexual relationship with one of the inmates.
“It was reported by an individual who allegedly acted as a lookout,” Phillips said.
He explained that “there is a power dynamic inside an institution.”
Phillips said any type of sexual relationship is prohibited because the officer is in a position of authority and trust. Additionally, he said it can “create a dangerous environment” if a corrections officer is occupied or not prepared because they are having a relationship.
Brunk is currently serving a two-year prison term for abduction out of Hardin County. In January, he held a gun to his live-in girlfriend’s head, threatening to kill her.
The victim told investigators that many of the problems she and Brunk were having stemmed from the allegations against him at work.
If convicted, Brunk could face an additional five years in prison.
– Kenny M. Francisco, 57, of 131 S. Oak Street. Francisco is charged with one count of illegal cultivation of marijuana.
Phillips said that on March 9, police got a call about a robbery and an assault at the home on Oak Street. When police arrived, “they couldn’t get anyone to answer the door,” but there was a window broken.
Phillips said police entered the home on a “public safety check.” When they got inside the home, they found Francisco and a woman.
“They also discovered several marijuana plants,” Phillips said.
Francisco was checked by medics.
“Officials do not believe there was an actual robbery,” Phillips said, noting they believe it was a mental health issue.
If convicted, Francisco could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Tracey Lynn Stevenson, 50, of 263 W. Third Street.
According to court documents, on Aug. 19, Stevenson and a woman got into an argument.
“During the dispute, Tracey broke a glass top coffee table,” according to court documents. “Tracey then pushed (the woman) onto the broken coffee table.”
Typically, domestic violence is charged as a misdemeanor, however after a conviction, future allegations are charged as felonies. According to court documents, Stevenson has domestic violence convictions in 2010 and 2015.
If convicted on the most recent charge, Stevenson could face as many as five years in prison.
– Rachel L. Nothstine, 35, of Powell. Nothstine is charged with one count of possession of LSD, stemming from an April 5 incident. According to court documents, Nothstine had more than 10 times the amount of LSD needed for one dose.
If convicted, Nothstine could face as many as 18 months in prison.
– Andrea Lashay Baker, 28, of 15500 Macklin Road. Baker is charged with one count each of aggravated possession of drugs and possession of a fentanyl-related compound. The allegations stem from a Dec. 11 incident. Baker was driving on Martin Welch Road near Wolford Maskill Road when she was pulled over for driving under the influence. As part of the arrest, investigators searched her vehicle and found both methamphetamines and fentanyl.
If convicted on all charges, Baker could face as many as 24 months in prison.