Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Karen Scullin Reporting A twelve-year old boy was found babysitting fifteen kids. His mother is a member of the Kingston Polygamy Clan.
A state health department license examiner made the discovery during a surprise check at the West Valley City daycare. The visit was made Wednesday. The licenser knocked on the door, peeked in the windows when there was no answer, and soon realized a twelve-year old boy was babysitting fifteen children, including three infants.
The licenser describes the scene as chaotic. Seven of the children inside the home belonged to the daycare provider, Lawina Johnson, the other eight children were daycare kids.
Police were called to help the Health department gain entry. They say they waited an hour-and-a-half before Johnson returned home. The children told authorities their mother went to the pawnshop; she told police she was running errands.
Jana Kettering/Utah Health Department: “When kids are without supervision a lot can happen. In fact when our licenser got in, there was a four-year old playing with a large kitchen knife. So these things are very serious and warrant a revocation of her license."
Johnson has reportedly told workers she will appeal the revocation. Kettering says there have only been minor infractions in the past at the daycare.
Lawina Johnson's husband is Verl Johnson. Verl Johnson is apparently Kingston clan leader, Paul Kingston's half brother.
In the past, there have been other cases involving Kingston children that have come to the attention of police. Most recently, a babysitter for a member of the Kingston family was investigated in the death of a child from head injuries.
West Valley City police say they are considering a criminal case of neglect against the mother. The case will likely be screened on Monday.
