Complaint shuts down Top Flight child care

Authorities are looking into possible cases of physical or sexual child abuse at the Top Flight Sports Center in New Milford, officials said Friday, July 6.

The complaint that launched the inquiry was lodged June 22 by officials at the multi-use sports facility, according to a state Department of Public Health spokeswoman.

The violations laid out in the complaint included failing to ensure the safety of the children enrolled in the center's day-care program.

"The New Milford Police Department is investigating a complaint against an individual at Top Flight," said Lt. Larry Ash, New Milford police spokesman. "(The Department of Children and Families) and the Department of Public Health are also involved in the investigation."

Lt. Ash declined to elaborate on the allegations or to identify the person named in the complaint because the investigation is ongoing. An arrest is not imminent, he said.

On June 29, Top Flight officials voluntarily relinquished their child-care license, effectively shutting down the program.

"In any circumstance when there is any serious physical abuse or sexual abuse, we coordinate with state and local law enforcement agencies," said Josh Howroyd, a DCF spokesman. "What we're trying to answer is whether or not allegations of either child abuse or neglect can be substantiated."

The center is located at 17 Pickett District Road. Officials there declined Friday to discuss the allegations.

Town officials distanced themselves from the ongoing multi-agency investigation.

New Milford Mayor Pat Murphy said she had not yet been briefed on the investigation.

"I don't wish to comment," Mayor Murphy said when reached by telephone. "We don't have any of that info here."

Parent Jason Miesionczek, who had enrolled his 8-year-old daughter in a summer camp sponsored by the center, said Top Flight officials announced the cancellation of the program in an email to parents "about a week and a half ago," without giving a reason.

"I called earlier in the week, and I asked why the camp was canceled all of a sudden," Mr. Miesionczek said. "The woman on the phone said, `I can't really give out too many details,' and that there's an issue with their child-care license."

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