Faribault Child Care Center Searched By Local Authorities

The Faribault Police Department confirmed in a news release this morning that detectives from their department, assisted by agents and investigators from multiple agencies executed a search warrant at Hyatt Daycare and Learning Center.

The Rice County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Minnesota Department of Human Services-Office of Inspector General all participated in the execution at 2700 Cardinal Avenue in Faribault.

Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen emphasized the investigation is solely focused on the allegation of fraudulent billing of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

No children were present at the center when officers arrived and the building was sealed until investigators completed the search.

Chief Bohlen says there are no allegations of child neglect or abuse involved.

After completing the search Chief Bohlen says investigators and agents removed records and computers from the child care center and the center was allowed to re-open.

Authorities say no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing and will continue for an undetermined amount of time.  The case is expected to be presented to the Rice County Attorney's Office when the investigation is complete.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services licensing website shows Hyatt Daycare and Learning Center has an active child care center license that was first issued in 2013.

Chief Bohlen concludes the news release with this comment, "It is unfortunate the alleged over-billing fraud committed by this business has resulted in worry and a burden for the families needing daycare for their children.  However, abuses and fraud involving limited public funds also create a burden on an already taxes social services system and cannot be ignored."