A caretaker of young children in her own home in Lycoming County was arrested and arraigned on charges of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children after Pennsylvania police said they received a ChildLine report that a 15-month-old toddler in her care had a significant injury to his face. Erin Ashley Moon, 44, was jailed in lieu of posting the $25,000 bond.

A pediatric trauma specialist treated the toddler and found his injury was consistent with child abuse. Investigators said they could see finger impressions on the child's face for about three weeks. The boy's parents said the child did not have the mark on his face when they dropped him off at Moon's home. Moon denied hurting the child, claiming instead that the child fell off a children's rocking chair. Moon was the only adult in her home that day. She was watching four other children, ages 14 months to 4 years.

The consequences of a ChildLine investigation can be devastating. A listing on the registry can hurt your future employment and volunteer opportunities, as well as any child custody arrangements. You must take this action seriously if you receive a letter informing you that you are the subject of a ChildLine investigation. Contact the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form and begin building a strong case in your defense.

What is a ChildLine, and What Evidence Do They Need to Investigate Me?

ChildLine is part of a Pennsylvania-mandated protective services program. It receives child abuse referrals and general child well-being concerns, then transmits the information to the appropriate investigating agency. A ChildLine report may or may not be substantiated. ChildLine will likely dismiss unsubstantiated claims because there is no strong evidence against you. They will investigate substantiated claims to determine if you committed a crime. You will receive notice from ChildLine if you are the subject of an investigation, and they will assign a caseworker to you. You must retain a lawyer at this point, as the caseworker will likely not give you the individualized attention you deserve.

Investigators will seek to determine if child abuse occurred. Pennsylvania law defines this as “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly” causing situations such as:

• Bodily harm
• Need for harmful medical treatment
• Substantial mental injury
• Sexual abuse or exploitation

If none of the above actions occurred, someone can still be charged with child abuse if investigators believe these actions are likely to occur. Again, any accusation of endangering the welfare of a child can have detrimental effects on your professional and personal life.

How LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team Can Build a Strong Defense for You

If you received notice that you are the subject of a ChildLine investigation, you need to act immediately to protect yourself from the detrimental consequences of a ChildLine listing or criminal charge. Contact the LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form, and let our Criminal Defense Team begin building a strong defense in your case.