Warrants: Woman ran unlicensed child care, failed to report child’s death
By WRAL News staff
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WENDELL, North Carolina (WRAL) — A Wendell woman was accused of failing to notify the state about the death of a child who was under her care in 2024, according to arrest warrants.
Tamika Jones Fowler, 47, was arrested Tuesday after Wendell police said she failed to report the death of a child in December 2024 to the Department of Health and Human Services, while also running an unlicensed child care facility at the same time.
Wendell police said their investigation into Fowler began after a report of an unresponsive child on Dec. 5, 2024. Officers determined the five-month-old child died in their sleep.
A further investigation found that Fowler was operating a daycare with a license, along with other child welfare violations, but she was not charged in the death of the infant.
WRAL News reached out to Fowler’s employer, Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh, to ask about her employment status.
A hospital spokesperson said Fowler was placed on administrative leave after learning of her arrest.
“There are no records of any incidents, allegations or complaints involving this individual at Holly Hill Hospital, and the matter you are referencing did not occur at a Holly Hill facility,” the hospital spokesperson said.
The arrest warrant also indicates that in April 2024, Fowler was caring for more than five children at the home, all younger than the age of six.
In the same month, she allegedly failed to make records, other than financial records, of that child care facility available to the DHHS.
The warrant also stated that in April 2024, neither Fowler nor a licensed caregiver was present at the home.
Wendell police charged her with three misdemeanor counts of child welfare violation and two counts of child welfare unlicensed violations.
Fowler’s bond was set at $10,000, and she is expected to appear in court on May 5 in Wake County.
WRAL News reached out to the DHHS for comment. The department said that it is aware of the situation and cannot comment on investigations or possible investigations.
The statement continued:
The department said child care facilities licensed by the DHHS-DCDEE follow applicable child care requirements and are visited, at a minimum, once annually, during visits by DCDEE consultants.
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