A former childcare worker had her trial pushed to September 20 during her initial appearance Monday in Starkville Municipal Court.
Dianna Lynn Covin, who is being charged with two counts of felony child abuse after she was arrested June 6 following an SPD investigation involving infants under Covin’s care. According to two separately filed affidavits, Covin, 52, of 134 Josey Ave., allegedly gave a five-month-old girl and a seven-month-old boy the muscle relaxer Tizanidine “for the express purpose of keeping (them) quiet.”
Covin was employed by the Creative Learning Center, the full-time daycare of First Baptist Church in Starkville, at the time of the alleged incidents, and had been for nine years.
Following the arrest, CLC Executive Director Karen Graham said in a statement that the CLC was “shocked and broken-hearted.
“We are working with authorities in their ongoing investigation of this individual. I have been in touch with each of the families involved to communicate our ongoing actions and support. We hold sacred the health and safety of our children.”
If convicted, Covin could face a $1,000 fine and/or one year in jail.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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