A Far Northeast daycare owner faces a tentative Feb. 16 preliminary hearing in front of Common Pleas Court Judge Vince Furlong following her arrest on child endangerment charges.
Edna Leighthardt, 53, retained legal counsel and on Monday night turned herself in for arrest by the police department, according to the district attorney’s office.
Due to a serious heart condition and an agreement that she is not a flight risk, she has been arraigned with the following bail conditions: a $90,000 bond that would be payable if she fails to appear in court and cease running a daycare and babysitting as the case is pending.
The police special victims unit has been investigating the case since last September. Parents said they were first tipped off by their toddler children. Investigators seized video from Leighthardt’s home, where the daycare operated for infants and other preschoolers.
The DA’s office thanked the lead SVU detective, adding that the charges in the case are serious. It is alleged that the defendant did not properly care for the children in her care, including by failing to provide food and liquid. It is also alleged that she improperly and negligently left the children in car seats all day.
Leighthardt faces nine charges (for each alleged victim) of Unlawful Restraint and Endangering the Welfare of Children. ••
