July 20 Update: On July 18, 2023, Kimberly Henretty, a 59-year-old resident of James City County, pled guilty to charges related to the death of a 4-month-old infant in her unlicensed private childcare center. Henretty entered a guilty plea for abuse and neglect of children (Class 6 felony) and operating an unlicensed daycare. A cruelty and abuse to children charge was nolle prossed as part of the plea agreement.
A thorough investigation conducted by the James City County Police Department, in collaboration with James City County Child Protective Services and the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Child Care Health and Safety, revealed the unlicensed nature of Henretty's childcare center. The Norfolk Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the infant's cause of death as Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS).
The sentencing hearing for Kimberly Henretty is scheduled for October 18, 2023
Apr. 24 News Flash: Kimberly Henretty, a 59-year-old resident of James City County, has been charged with abuse and neglect of children, cruelty and injury to children, and operating a daycare program without a license. Indictments were obtained for Henretty’s arrest through the Grand Jury. Henretty turned herself in to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail on April 17, 2023, where she was initially denied bond. She appeared in court for a bond hearing on April 24, and the denial was upheld. Alison Martin, a child abuse prosecutor from the County of Henrico, is leading the prosecution.
On Aug. 9, 2022, police and EMS personnel responded to the 5000 block of Thomas Court in James City County, Virginia, in reference to a 4-month-old infant who was in cardiac arrest while in the care of a private childcare center operated by Henretty. The infant was pronounced deceased on the scene by paramedics. At that time, it was discovered that 10 children, all under 5 years of age, were being cared for by Henretty.
Our department conducted a thorough investigation in collaboration with James City County Child Protective Services and the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Child Care Health and Safety. JCCPD Detective Gennie Bellas lead the investigation. It was discovered that Henretty was not licensed to operate this private childcare center out of her residence. The infant’s cause of death was determined by the Norfolk Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to be Sudden Unexplained Infant Death - SUID.
Media Contact:
Tayleb Brooks, PR and Special Projects Administrator
757-592-5618; tayleb.brooks@jamescitycountyva.gov