(ELKHART COUNTY) - State officials have filed a lawsuit seeking to shut down an unlicensed daycare operation in Elkhart County after investigators reported finding 86 children inside a single residence.
WSBT reports the lawsuit stems from an investigation by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources.
Court documents indicate the investigation began after officials received conflicting information about the operation. According to the filings, organizers at various times described the location as a bus stop and later claimed it was licensed through the Department of Child Services for emergency placements.
Investigators issued a cease-and-desist order after attempting to verify the operation's status and receiving what court records describe as evasive responses.
A search warrant was issued May 26 and executed June 1.
According to court documents, investigators found 86 children inside the home in the 18000 block of County Road 42.
Records state 66 children were located in the basement lying on mats separated by cardboard. Another 17 children were found in two rooms on the main floor. Investigators also reported finding three infants strapped into car seats inside dark closets.
Court filings further allege the basement had no fire escape other than the staircase leading into the area.
Officials also raised concerns about supervision. According to the lawsuit, only three adults were present at the residence when the search warrant was executed.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop operation of the child care facility.
WSBT reports the case will now move through the court system as state officials pursue a permanent shutdown of the operation and additional legal action.