MIDLAND, MI – A 63-year-old woman who ran an in-home daycare is facing dozens of criminal charges after authorities say she sexually abused multiple children over a seven-year period.
Gaila Bennett was arraigned Monday on 47 counts related to the alleged abuse of young children she was paid to watch at her home on Prairie Road in Midland County. She’s being held on a $5 million bond while investigators continue examining evidence that could lead to even more charges.
The charges include 24 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13, 12 counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13, and 11 counts of assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. Each of the most serious charges carries a potential life sentence.
The investigation kicked off earlier this month when a family from Bay County contacted Michigan State Police with disturbing allegations about what happened to their child while Bennett provided daycare services. One victim told investigators they were sexually assaulted nearly every single day starting from kindergarten.
Detectives say the abuse allegedly occurred between 2013 and 2020 at Bennett’s residence, located roughly 120 miles northwest of Detroit. Multiple children who were left in her care during those years may have been victimized, according to court documents.
Making the case even more disturbing, police allege Bennett photographed the abuse. Investigators executed a search warrant at her home on Oct. 17 and seized electronic devices including computers and phones. Forensic specialists are now combing through the devices looking for evidence of the alleged crimes.
The sheer number of charges reflects what prosecutors describe as a pattern of systematic abuse that went on for years while parents trusted Bennett to keep their kids safe. Court records suggest she used her position of authority and the children’s young age to carry out the alleged crimes without being detected.
Bennett appeared in court showing little emotion as prosecutors detailed the horrific allegations against her. Her attorney did not immediately comment on the charges. She’s scheduled to return to court on Nov. 4 for a preliminary hearing.
Michigan State Police emphasized the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be filed as more potential victims come forward or as detectives uncover more evidence on the seized devices. Authorities are urging any other families who used Bennett’s daycare services during that time period to contact investigators.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Midland community, where parents are struggling to process how someone they trusted with their children could allegedly commit such heinous acts over such a long period of time.
