Woman sues state over day care closure

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The state of Indiana is in the middle of a multi-million dollar lawsuit over a day care.

Sharon Thurman, owner of Minimaxx Akademy, filed a $10 million lawsuit, arguing that the Family and Social Services Administration shut down her day care center unfairly.

In the 64-page suit she said she never received warning of the department’s intentions to close her facility. The state closed the business on Oct. 28. Since then, Thurman said she hasn’t received any vouchers from the state.

The impact of the center’s closure has hurt the daycare provider in several ways. She details it in part of the lawsuit. Thurman says she can’t pay her bills or rent to due to the closure.

In one paragraph of the lawsuit, Thurman says she hasn't committed any crimes or felonies dealing with a child. But another document shows the state investigated an accusation of child neglect against Thurman, which contributed to the closure.

24-Hour-News 8 tracked down Thurman at her home. She declined to talk on camera. A Family and Social Services Administration spokesperson declined to talk on camera, saying the department does not comment on pending lawsuits.