Operators of Unlicensed Daycare Charged with Child Endangerment

Two Pomona residents are facing child endangerment charges following a CPS investigation earlier this month which revealed shocking and dangerous conditions at a local day care.

 On Monday, July 7, 2025, the Clarkstown Police Department assisted the Town of Clarkstown Building Department in executing a search warrant at 86 and 96 Maple Avenue in New City, NY. The warrant was issued at the request of the Building Department in response to concerns about the operation of an unlicensed daycare at the location.

During the execution of the warrant, members of the Clarkstown Building Department Code Enforcement Unit, along with Clarkstown Fire Inspectors, were present to document conditions at both properties. It was determined that approximately 69 children and 20 adults were present on-site.

Further inspection of the basement at 96 Maple Avenue revealed approximately 30 cribs, along with blankets and changing stations. The basement was unoccupied at the time of the inspection.

Due to the concerning conditions observed, referrals were made to both the Clarkstown Police Juvenile Aid Bureau and Rockland County Child Protective Services (RC CPS). Following a secondary inspection by RC CPS on July 8, 2025, the facility was deemed unsafe. RC CPS subsequently ordered the closure of the Camp Smiley daycare and directed that all children be sent home immediately.

As a result of the joint investigation and findings, the following individuals have been charged:

● Mr. Aron Altman, 35, of Pomona, NY

● Ms. Chany Altman, 35, of Pomona, NY

Both were charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor under New York State Penal Law. This charge encompasses actions that knowingly place a child’s physical, mental, or moral welfare at risk, or the failure to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm.

Aron Altman and Chany Altman were released on an appearance ticket pending further judicial proceedings. They are directed to return to court on a date to be determined.

In addition to the criminal charges filed in this case, the Town of Clarkstown has also brought forth Town Code charges related to multiple violations of the Town’s regulations. These code matters are being pursued by the Town Attorney’s Office and are scheduled to be heard at a future court date in Clarkstown Justice Court.

“The conditions uncovered at the daycare were deeply concerning and posed a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the children in their care. The Clarkstown Police Department treats all crimes involving children, the most vulnerable members of our community, with the highest level of seriousness and urgency.

The professionalism, diligence, and teamwork throughout this investigation were instrumental in bringing the facts to light and ensuring that appropriate charges could be filed,” wrote Clarkstown Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker in a statement shared with the RCT.