Ceola Harden, the owner of Stinky Feet Childcare, and the mother of a man arrested on multiple charges of child sexual abuse, reportedly knew her son was committing the crimes and left him alone for extended periods with the children under her care.
Witnesses in the case claimed Ceola Harden allowed her son to have frequent, unmonitored access to young children, despite her knowledge that he was sexually abusive. All Polk County, OR., daycare providers are mandated to report all claims of abuse.
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Ceola Harden allegedly bribed children frequently to keep them silent, taking them to a a local dollar store and ice cream parlor in exchange for their silence.
According to the complaint, a partner agency confirmed Ceola Harden knew of her son’s inappropriate behavior and when young victims would object to the abuse she would tell them, “It’s okay. I’ll take care of it. Don’t tell your mom.”
Quinlyn Harden, 24, was arrested in March on three counts of first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly abusing a girl under the age of 14 at the daycare. The abuse allegedly occurred from 2009 to 2017. Today, more charges were leveled against the suspect with the announcement of several more victims that have come forward.
During his Friday arraignment, Polk County Judge Norman Hill set Harden’s bail at $300,000. His next court hearing is scheduled for June 28, and a trial date is set for Aug. 1. source
Following an investigation, officials closed the daycare.
Ceola Harden has not faced any criminal charges in connection to the alleged sex abuse at her daycare.
Quinlyn Harden pleaded not guilty to all counts against him.