The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
Late last September, 5-month-old Reed Nelson was pronounced dead at a Fargo hospital after being found unresponsive and not breathing at a local day care center in Carrington.
According to court documents, a licensed social worker noted that Nelson had “clearly” suffered a traumatic head injury, and subsequently had a cardiac arrest episode with likely anoxic brain injury - an injury caused by a complete lack of oxygen to the brain.
The tragic death alarmed the local community and prompted an ongoing criminal investigation into the unlicensed child care provider, Patricia Wick, who cared for Nelson.
Soon after the incident, a complaint in support of a cease and desist order/permanent injunction against Wick’s day care was filed by Foster County State’s Attorney, Kara Brinster.
The complaint states, in part, “The Defendant, Patricia Ann Wick, operates an unlicensed group child care day care business from her home, in violation of North Dakota Century Code . . .…”
The complaint goes on to specify that Wick had been caring for up to 12 children at a time, therefore requiring licensure to operate.
According to North Dakota Century Code 50-11.1-03, a “license for family child care” is required before a day care can provide early childhood services to four or more children ages 24 months and under, or for six to seven children through age 11.
Additionally, “A license for group child care is required if early childhood services are provided for at least eight and no more than thirty children at any one time.”
An affidavit of probable cause states that documents for becoming a group day care were recovered after a search warrant was executed at Wick’s residence, “indicating that Patricia Ann Wick knew the licensing requirements, but did not apply for a license.”
The affidavit adds that law enforcement identified a swing that was improperly installed, paint chipping and falling off the rear side of the residence, broken glass along the shed, a slide being held together with duct tape and a ratchet strap, and that there was no fence separating the property from a busy highway and an open alleyway, which the residence borders.
“If the residence/day care would have been licensed as required, corrections would have needed to be made prior to licensing,” states the affidavit, which was written by Special Agent Craig Zachmeier of the N.D. Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
On January 5, 2023, District Court Judge James Hovey officially ordered Wick to permanently “cease and desist” performing any duties as a day care or child care provider. State’s Attorney Brinster informed the Independent on Tuesday that Wick will not be contesting the order.
Brinster also confirmed that the criminal investigation is still active and ongoing. More specifically, the permanent injunction order states that potential child abuse, child neglect and aggravated assault are all being investigated.
If and/or when charges are brought, said Brinster, a media release will be prepared at that time. When asked if a complete autopsy on Nelson had been completed, Brinster said she’s currently unable to disclose any details regarding the case.
