State shuts down daycare after dad's viral post shows Pascagoula toddler's face scratched

Dec. 11--PASCAGOULA -- The state has shut down a home daycare where a 4-year-old child reportedly assaulted an 18-month-old boy, an official says.

Pooh and Crew is where Dakota Hudson allegedly was injured while the operator was not in the room, and was scratched and cut on his face, head, chest and eyes.

"Pooh and Crew is not licensed nor has it applied for a license at this time," Liz Sharlot, spokeswoman for the Mississippi State Department of Health said.

A health department official has issued a cease-and-desist order and given the operator information on child care laws and a packet on "How to Get a Childcare License," Sharlot said.

"Since this facility was out of compliance with the law -- and we only investigate licensed facilities -- the complaint (regarding the child) has been turned over to the Department of Human Services," she said.

The daycare operator could not be reached for comment by the Sun Herald.

She went to a hospital after Latoye Hudson called 911 from the daycare and took Dakota to get medical help, a relative said.

The daycare operator told the parents she had left the room "for only a second," said the child's father, Trent Hudson.

Dakota requires a medical cream in his eyes twice a day because of injuries to his eyes, Hudson said.

Fake GoFundMe account

The Hudson's Facebook post and a relative's Facebook post have gone viral.

The Sun Herald reported on the incident Dec. 10. By the next day, the Hudsons learned someone had started a GoFundMe account without their knowledge or permission.

The couple said they feel like the "fake account" is a scam that takes advantage of their child's injuries.

"I swear, the nerve of people," Trent Hudson said.

The Hudsons said they may set up a GoFundMe account, but they haven't done one yet.

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