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Investigators ask judge to close day care center

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By JOSH POLTILOVE

jpoltilove@tampatrib.com

Published: June 27, 2009

TAMPA - The woman who runs a troubled Hillsborough County day care center has been arrested on child abuse charges, and the center has had its license yanked. Yet Just for Kids remains open.

Investigators with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office say enough is enough. Friday, they filed a motion for a temporary injunction to keep Dorothy Sampson-Monroe and the day care center from caring for kids.

"Maybe in the end she'll be cleared of these abuse charges," said Nick Cox, regional director for the Department of Children & Families. "Until we know that for sure, I'm not willing to risk these children's safety, and neither is the sheriff, obviously."

The center's license was declared void because the woman listed as owner on the license application said she is not involved with the business. But Sampson-Monroe has still cared for children there, telling officials she is not charging for the service.

Sampson-Monroe, 47, and the Just for Kids Center repeatedly have violated county ordinances, state statutes and state administrative codes, resulting in actual and threatened harm to children, the motion states. She was accused last week of inappropriately disciplining four children at the center.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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