LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A southeastern Kentucky daycare owner has pleaded not guilty to criminal abuse charges.
Larinda Tuttle is accused of leaving several children in a hot attic last Friday.
State inspectors came to Great Start Educational Center in Barbourville, Ky., to check out complaints it was operating without a license.
They say what they found was worse: five children left alone in an attic in more than 100-degree heat.
They also saw broken glass, exposed nails and dead birds.
"I would never hurt children," said Tuttle. "I haven't in the past. I love children and this is breaking my heart."
A police report says it took half an hour for a teenage boy to answer the door. He said he was the only person there with the children.
The children were all unharmed.
Tuttle faces five counts of first degree criminal abuse.
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Larinda Tuttle
