News

Media Statement from Downtown Baltimore Child Care

March 1, 2026

Downtown Baltimore Child Care learned on Friday, February 27 that the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are conducting a joint investigation of one of our former employees, arising from a 2025 state conviction for distribution of child pornography.

The individual, Simone Avery, was a DBCC substitute teacher in several of our classrooms at the Homewood Early Center from June 29, 2023, to May 2, 2024. Based on public records, the offense leading to Ms. Avery’s arrest occurred in July 2024, after she left DBCC’s employment. Ms. Avery was charged in May 2025, convicted in September 2025, and is currently incarcerated.

This is incredibly difficult and distressing news. We have many unanswered questions. However, law enforcement has confirmed that identified victim families have been notified and that, although this is an ongoing investigation, they have no information that there are additional DBCC victims at this time. We can also confirm that Ms. Avery passed federal and state background checks before and during her employment with DBCC. 

The safety and well-being of the children entrusted to our care is always our highest priority. We are working with law enforcement to understand more of what has occurred and will cooperate with any investigation that arises from this information.