Drunk Woman Provided Unlicensed Child Care To 12 Kids: Police

COTTAGE GROVE, MN — Washington County Attorney Pete Orput Monday announced that his office has filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against the operator of an unlicensed child care provider.

The suit, which officials say is one of the first of its type filed in Minnesota, uses the contempt powers of the court to prevent future unlicensed child care in this case.

On the morning of Feb. 25, the Cottage Grove Police Department —acting on a report that Megan Martin was providing unlicensed child care in her home — executed a search warrant at the residence.

During the search, it was discovered Martin had 12 small children in her care, according to authorities. Police found a room with three children still strapped into their car seats with blankets draped over them, investigators said.

Searchers discovered at least 17 different licensing violations Martin could have been cited for if she had a license. Police say they detected an odor of alcohol coming from Martin and a preliminary breath test revealed a .12 blood-alcohol content.

Martin admitted providing a child care center for approximately five years and stated she had actively avoided obtaining a license, authorities said.

Parents of the children were contacted immediately and removed their children from the home, according to a news release. The case remains under review for potential criminal charges.

"It is abhorrent there are those who choose to ignore the laws intended to protect our children," County Attorney Pete Orput in a statement.

"I encourage parents and grandparents to use public resources to determine if your childcare provider is properly licensed.”"