New City, NY – Clarkstown Police arrested two individuals following the discovery of an unlicensed daycare operating at 86 and 96 Maple Avenue in New City.
Officers assisted the Town of Clarkstown Building Department in executing a search warrant after concerns were raised about the operation. During the inspection, officials found approximately 69 children and 20 adults on the premises. At 96 Maple Avenue, authorities discovered a basement outfitted with about 30 cribs, blankets, and changing stations, though it was unoccupied at the time.
Due to unsafe conditions, Rockland County Child Protective Services (RC CPS) ordered the immediate closure of the daycare, known as Camp Smiley, on July 8.
Following a joint investigation, Aron Altman and Chany Altman, both 35 and of Pomona, NY, were charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. They were released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
In addition to criminal charges, multiple violations of Clarkstown Town Code are being pursued in Clarkstown Justice Court.
Officials emphasized that the facility posed a serious risk to child safety and praised the coordinated efforts of police, code enforcement, fire inspectors, and child protective services.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.