By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – On Monday, April 8, the Montevallo Police Department announced the arrests of two daycare employees from Milestone Academy and Daycare on the charge of aggravated child abuse. Both suspects were taken into custody and booked at the Shelby County Jail with a bond of $180,000.

According to an official statement from the MPD, an immediate investigation was launched after they received a complaint of alleged child abuse at the daycare on Wednesday, Feb. 14. This investigation led to the arrests of Wanda Henderson, 63, and Tanya Lapsley, 56.

According to court records, the original incident occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 13 where the perpetrators allegedly “forcibly jerked, pulled, snatched, slung the 2-year-old victim around causing bruises and marks while having custody of her inside her daycare facility.”

Wanda Hearn Henderson of Pleasant Grove and Tanya Teresa Lapsley of Marion were arrested on Thursday, April 4 and taken into custody. The $180,000 bond for each woman was posted and both were released on Friday, April 5.

The hearing for both women is set for Wednesday, April 24.

While the investigation is still ongoing, the MPD has contacted officials from the state and county departments of human resources. In addition, the police encourage any potential victims or others with additional information to step forward.

Those with additional information can contact Montevallo Police Sgt. Pete Reese or Investigator Tommy Whitten at (205) 665-1264.