The owner of a Manassas daycare that was allegedly operating without a license was arrested this week after she allowed her 16-year-old daughter to care for young children, police say.

Continue reading

Prince William County Police arrested Tara Loop, 38, and charged her with four counts of cruelty and injuries to children.

"When a kid is left in a room by itself - especially at that age - they can't walk, they can't talk, they can't let you know something is the matter," says Prince William County police officer Jonathan Perok.

Loop is the owner of Growing Minds Daycare, located in the 8500 block of Somersworth Drive.

Police say that on Oct. 2, authorities went to the daycare to investigate a report of child abuse. When they arrived, police found six children, all under the age of 2, in Loop’s care. Three of the children were allegedly left unattended in a separate room.

Police say Loop’s 16-year-old daughter was tasked with looking after the children and often worked long hours caring for them.

The children were turned over to guardians or parents.