Weeks after an infant's death, an Apex woman is facing four felonies related to her home-based daycare center.

Judy Lucas is accused of violating state daycare rules for more than two consecutive days -- on four separate occasions.  

Lucas faces four felony counts in violation of providing child care for more children allowed by law on more than two consecutive days.  Police are being pretty vague about exactly what led to the charges, other than to say she violated General Statute 110, Article Seven, which deals specifically with regulating child-care facilities.

Earlier this month, Judy Lucas had her license suspended during the investigation of the death of 3-month-old Eliana Navy. The Medical Examiner's office is still determining the cause of the child's death.

Police, though, say none of the felony charges are specifically related to that incident.

"The death of the child did not occur on one of the dates that's cited in these particular charges," said Apex Police Chief Jack Lewis.

The death investigation did lead to these charges, though: initial reports by Apex Police and the Department of Health and Human Services and Child Protective Services uncovered 17 separate violations at Lucas's home-based daycare center.  

A state inspection found there was inadequate supervision, soiled diapers on a couch, frayed electrical wires and exposed wood with small nails where a carpet had been ripped out.

"We have a responsibility to protect those people in our society who aren't sometimes able, because of their age or their condition, to protect themselves," said Lewis.

Several neighbors said they were shocked to hear about Lucas being charged, noting she's well known in the neighborhood for being an exceptional caregiver.

"All we can do is pray that justice prevails because this is a woman that loves kids and treats them in the way that you would want your child to be treated," said Debbie Whorley.

Lucas was out this morning on a $5,000 bond and told NBC17 she had no comment. 

There was also no comment from someone answering the door at Eliana's home.

Lucas was taken to the Wake County Jail and held on $5,000 secured bond and has been released.



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