HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — Three former daycare workers at the Hill Air Force Base Child Development Center have been charged with simple assault against young children, including toddlers. The Department of Justice announced that Karlie Brook Rianey, Patricia Michelle Davis, and Allison Shea Ferdon each face three separate misdemeanor charges related to alleged offenses that occurred at the base facility.
According to the Department of Justice, the alleged incidents date back to December 2022. During that time, Karlie Brook Rianey is accused of covering a crying child’s mouth with her hand. The Department of Justice further states Rianey allegedly pushed the child’s face into the floor and pinned the child in a corner for over 20 minutes. The allegations against Rianey also include repeatedly covering the child’s face with a pillow.
Allison Shea Ferdon is accused of multiple incidents in January and February 2023. The Department of Justice reports Ferdon allegedly grabbed children in her care on several occasions. Specific allegations against Ferdon include using one child's hand to hit another child, and holding a child over a trash can as if to put the child in the garbage.
Patricia Michelle Davis also faces charges, with the Department of Justice accusing her of shoving and roughly handling children in her care. All three women are scheduled to be arraigned over the coming week for these charges.
U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah released a statement regarding the charges, affirming that "Our office will not tolerate any form of abuse against children." Holyoak, speaking through the Department of Justice, emphasized the commitment of her office to working closely with its partners. This collaboration aims to ensure justice for the parents who entrusted the care and safety of their children to these daycare workers.
The Hill Air Force Base Office of Special Investigations is currently investigating the case, a detail also provided by the Department of Justice. The charges highlight the serious nature of the allegations and the commitment of federal authorities to address incidents involving the safety and well-being of children in facilities operating on military installations.