Three employees of TOTally Kids Childcare were arrested, booked, and released on cruelty to juveniles related charges

Rapides Parish, LA (6/1/2023) – Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of three employees of TOTally Kids Childcare were arrested on cruelty to juveniles related charges.

As their investigation continued throughout the day, Sheriff’s Detectives were able to arrest three subjects about their ongoing investigation into allegations of cruelty to juveniles.

Initially, the investigation stemmed from allegations from a parent who claimed their child had been given melatonin without parental consent while under the supervision of the daycare.  Detectives investigated the claims, including interviews with current and former employees.

From their investigation, Detectives were able to secure warrants on Michelle Denise Smyth for obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy, Allison Grace VanDusen for five counts 2ndDegree Cruelty to Juveniles, obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy, and Destrianna Nicole LaCombe for 2^nd Degree Cruelty to Juveniles, obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy.

All three suspects were taken into custody without incident and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center.  Earlier today,  VanDusen was released on a $17,500.00 bond and LaCombe was released on a $7,500.00 bond.  Late this afternoon, Smyth was released on a $5,000.00 bond.

Sheriff’s Detectives say that more arrests and more charges are possible.  If anyone has any further information on this investigation, they are asked to contact Detective Matt Cross at 318-473-6727.  

The Crime Stoppers P3 Tipster app may also be downloaded to leave tips and get a claim number for reward. P3 app: https://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile/index.htm.  NOTE: Crime Stoppers is a private non-profit organization. Crime Stoppers is not a law enforcement agency.

Arrestee:            
Michelle Denise Smyth, 56
Deville, LA

Charge:     (not eligible charges for mugshot release)           
Obstruction of Justice                   
Criminal Conspiracy

Arrestee:            
Allison Grace VanDusen, 20
Alexandria, LA

Charges:             
5 counts 2^nd Degree Cruelty to Juveniles
obstruction of justice
criminal conspiracy

Arrestee:            
Destrianna Nicole LaCombe, 19
Dry Prong, LA

Charges:             
2^nd Degree Cruelty to Juveniles
obstruction of justice
criminal conspiracy