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Written by: E. George
Published August 23, 2024 @ 1:30 PM
Warning: The following story contains information regarding alleged physical violence against children.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – Three former employees of Apple Tree Learning Center & Academy in DeKalb County have pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the physical abuse of young children. The victims range in age from six months to approximately three years old.
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced last week that 28-year-old Alexis Renee Swain, 21-year-old Cori Chambers, and 56-year-old Cassandra Artis Chambers have pleaded guilty to a combined 35 counts of various child abuse charges.
Swain pleaded guilty to 29 counts of cruelty to children, Cori Chambers to five counts of child cruelty, and Cassandra Chambers to failure to report suspected child abuse.
The investigation into the daycare facility began in July 2022, when Channel 2 reported on allegations of abuse. A parent of a child who attended the daycare center shared her concern when her son returned from the daycare with injuries that were initially explained away as mosquito bites by the staff.
Following this report, investigators reviewed three days’ worth of surveillance footage from inside the daycare. The video evidence revealed disturbing instances of abuse.
Both Swain and Cori Chambers were caught on camera hitting, pushing, and shaking children. Swain’s actions were particularly alarming, as she was seen slamming children onto floors, tables, and cots. Cassandra Chambers, the daycare center’s director, was aware of the surveillance video but failed to report the abuse.
Alexis Renee Swain received a 10-year sentence, with the requirement to serve five years in custody. Prosecutors had initially sought a harsher penalty of 20 years, with 15 years to be served in prison.
Cori Chambers was sentenced to 10 years of probation, beginning with 120 days of house arrest. Additionally, she must complete 80 hours of community service.
Cassandra Artis Chambers was given a 12-month probation sentence and ordered to perform 80 hours of community service.
As part of the sentencing conditions, none of the women are permitted to care for children who are not their relatives.
The case is not entirely concluded, as a fourth defendant, 78-year-old Cheretta Hull, remains to be tried. Hull, who was indicted in December 2023, faces 19 counts of child cruelty.