PLAINFIELD, Ind. -- The operator of an unlicensed Plainfield day care where a 16-month-old died in August was charged Wednesday with aggravated battery in the case.
Melanie Messer, who operated Melanie's Kiddie Corner until a cease-and-desist order was issued by the Family & Social Services Administration in August, was charged Tuesday in connection with the death of 16-month-old Andi Arnett.
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Arnett died at Riley Hospital for Children after being discovered unresponsive at Messer's day care.
Plainfield police told RTV6 in August they were investigating Arnett's death, but declined to provide further details.
According to the cease-and-desist letter, Messer cared for eight-to-10 children at any given time at her day care. Indiana state law requires day cares that serve six or more children to be licensed by the state.
Messer was charged with aggravated battery.
The Marion County Coroner determined the cause of death to be from complications of closed blunt force trauma injuries to the head and has classified the death as a homicide.
