Six suspects plead not guilty in daycare child abuse case

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Amaris Hamilton, Theodrick Hersey, Jessica Houck, Brooklyn Houck, Khrystian Greer, and Elizabeth Thomas all pled not guilty during their arraignments at Madison County Court today.

The six suspects are charged in connection to an investigation involving alleged child abuse at A Step Ahead Childcare in Richmond.

Hamilton is charged with wanton endangerment, meanwhile, the five others face criminal abuse charges.

All suspects are out on bond except Thomas who remains in custody.

Arrest citations show Brooklyn Houck and Hersey, the owners of the dayvare, allegedly knew about several abuse complaints including a child being strangled and another being refused food.

Both Brooklyn Houck and Hersey are also charged with knowingly obstructing an investigation. Court documents show the defendants allegedly made a plan to cover up the truth about a child getting out of the building and nearly walking out into a busy street.

The judge has set all six defendants preliminary hearings for May 14th at 9:30 a.m. at Madison County District Court.