2 weeks Ago By By KAREN GUNNELS MANAGING [email protected]
GRIFFIN — Parents continue to come forward with stories of abuse at the hands of a former owner of an in-home childcare facility sentenced to 20 years in prison on cruelty to children charges, Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Marie Broder said Tuesday. The jury deliberated less than four hours before returning with a split verdict Monday. Connie Pound was convicted of three counts of second degree cruelty to children, acquitted of three counts, and the jury was unable to return a verdict on three counts, Broder said.
During the weeklong trial, Broder said jurors were presented evidence related to injuries sustained by multiple infants and toddlers in the defendant’s care over a time period spanning from 2013 to 2022. “After a sentencing hearing in which loved ones from both sides testified before the court, the Honorable Benjamin D. Coker sentenced the defendant to serve 20 years in the Department of Corrections, followed by 10 years on probation,” Broder said.
Pounds arrest came after a parent contacted law enforcement in March 2022 after her 15-month-old daughter sustained multiple bruises to her head and neck while in the defendant’s care, Broder said. These injuries followed several prior instances where her daughter had unexplained bruising to her head, arms and ears. Broder said the State presented evidence related to a months-long investigation by Griffin Police Department Investigator Jodi Spears and included seven additional children at trial.
“During her investigation, numerous other parents contacted Investigator Spears to report abuse at the defendant’s hands but who refused to be named in the indictment due to the defendant’s influence in the community,” Broder added. The case was prosecuted by Administrative Chief Assistant District Attorney Kate Lenhard and Senior Assistant District Attorney Monique Harris. “This case has been a difficult one for everyone involved,” said Broder.
“I am hopeful that this verdict brings peace to the families of these precious babies and sends a message to the community that we will not tolerate abuse against our most vulnerable. I am grateful to the jurors for their diligence in sorting through the evidence to come to a verdict that spoke truth, and I am proud of my people who worked countless hours to hold the defendant accountable for her actions.”.
