Two additional people have been arrested as New York State Police continue investigating allegations of child abuse at the SUNY Cortland Daycare Center, bringing the number of known arrests tied to the case to six.
Christopher Chapman, 29, of Homer, was charged Aug. 31 with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. Jennifer Eckert-Dennison, 54, of Lisle, was arrested Sept. 8 and charged with failure to report child abuse, also a misdemeanor.
State Police said Chapman was employed at the daycare center and allegedly engaged in conduct involving a child that put the child’s physical, mental or moral well-being at risk.
Eckert-Dennison was employed by SUNY Cortland’s Human Resources Department, according to troopers. Investigators allege she failed to report suspected child abuse occurring at the daycare center despite being a mandated reporter.
State Police said mandated reporters are required to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities, including the New York State Child Abuse Hotline, Office of Children and Family Services, Child Protective Services or law enforcement.
The investigation is being conducted by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Homer in coordination with the SUNY Cortland Police Department.
SUNY Cortland police had previously arrested and charged four employees in connection with the investigation, according to State Police.
Chapman and Eckert-Dennison were both issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Cortland City Court on Sept. 14.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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