Indianapolis, Ind. – A child care worker has been arrested after authorities say a 3-year-old child consumed THC gummies while under her supervision at a local daycare. The arrest comes following an investigation by law enforcement and the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS).
Incident Overview
The worker, 38-year-old Siedia Bell, has been preliminarily charged with a Level 6 felony for neglect of a dependent, along with a misdemeanor charge of reckless supervision by a child care provider. The alleged incident occurred in November 2025 at Tot’s R Us, located at 3709 Shadeland Avenue on Indianapolis’ east side.
Authorities first became aware of the incident when a detective with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) received a report of potential child neglect. According to court documents, the child’s mother reported that her daughter had consumed a THC gummy while in Bell’s care.
Timeline of Events
On November 12, 2025, the mother dropped off her daughter at the daycare. Later that day, she received a call indicating that her child was “acting weird.” Upon picking up her daughter, she noticed unusual behavior and initially assumed the child might be sick.
The following day, a daycare worker reportedly told the mother that the child had eaten something out of another worker’s pocket. The mother drug-tested her daughter, confirming the presence of THC, and sought a second medical opinion, which also tested positive for cannabinoids.
Statements and Investigation
During communications with the daycare, Bell allegedly admitted to having THC gummies in her jacket pocket but denied that the child could have accessed them. Later, a DCS case worker interviewed Bell on December 21, during which she reportedly confirmed having the gummies in her jacket while working but claimed they were removed before the child could reach them.
“She stated that she had the THC gummies inside her jacket pocket while at the daycare on November 12 but claimed they were removed before placing the jacket near the child,” court documents show.
The investigation was initially led by IMPD but was later turned over to the Greenfield Police Department when it was discovered that the daycare owner had transported the child to her home in Greenfield on the same day, citing structural issues at the daycare.
Arrest and Charges
An arrest warrant for Bell was issued on Tuesday, January 6. She was subsequently booked into Hancock County Jail on Thursday. Bell faces:
- Level 6 felony: Neglect of a dependent
- Misdemeanor: Reckless supervision by a child care provider
Authorities say additional investigation may continue regarding the daycare’s practices and supervision standards.
Safety and Awareness
Officials are urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant when selecting childcare providers and to report any unsafe conditions or concerns promptly. Even brief lapses in supervision can pose serious risks to young children.
Experts recommend that childcare facilities secure potentially harmful substances, ensure staff adherence to safety protocols, and maintain clear communication with parents regarding incidents.
Conclusion
The arrest of Siedia Bell highlights the importance of strict supervision and safety measures in childcare settings. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, emphasizing the potential dangers of negligent behavior around young children.
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