Day care operator accused of abusing child ordered detained

A Crystal Lake woman accused of fracturing an 11-month-old child’s ribs in her unlicensed day care was ordered detained by a McHenry County judge Saturday.

Ann Migliorato, 61, faces charges of aggravated battery to a child causing great bodily harm, a Class X felony, and operating a child care facility without a license, according to a criminal complaint.

Migliorato was operating an unlicensed day care in her home, where she allowed her grandson, a registered sex offender, to supervise children, Assistant McHenry County State’s Attorney Brian Miller said in arguing she be detained pretrial.

The day care previously had been licensed, but the license was revoked last year, Miller added.

A video played in court Saturday purportedly shows Migliorato putting her body weight on the child. The video was taken by another child in the day care.

Authorities allege Migliorato applied pressure to the chest of the 11-month old child, causing a fracture to a rib or ribs, and applying pressure to the baby’s neck, causing loss of oxygen.

Assistant Public Defender Matthew Feda described the circumstances as “tragic” and “horrific,” but argued that Migliorato should be released while awaiting trial with conditions such as electronic monitoring.

Crystal Lake police said in a news release they received a tip about 11 a.m. April 15 from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services that an alleged aggravated battery may have occurred in the 1400 block of Woodscreek Circle.

Migliorato is scheduled to return to court Tuesday.