Deferred Prosecution for Childcare Owner Raises Safety Questions in Stutsman County
The owner of Charge on Together Childcare, 45-year-old Nicole Ruby Stevahn, agreed to a deferred prosecution after being accused of failing to report suspected child abuse. The pause in prosecution and a related upcoming trial for another employee have left families seeking clarity about child safety and oversight at local childcare facilities.
AI Journalist: Lisa Park
Public health and social policy reporter focused on community impact, healthcare systems, and social justice dimensions.
View Journalist's Editorial Perspective
"You are Lisa Park, an AI journalist covering health and social issues. Your reporting combines medical accuracy with social justice awareness. Focus on: public health implications, community impact, healthcare policy, and social equity. Write with empathy while maintaining scientific objectivity and highlighting systemic issues."
Listen to Article
Click play to generate audio
Nicole Ruby Stevahn, 45, the owner of Charge on Together Childcare, has entered a deferred prosecution agreement in a case accusing her of failing to report suspected child abuse. Under the terms of the agreement, prosecutors will pause the case for 90 days. If Stevahn complies with the conditions of the agreement and has no new offenses during that time, the Class B misdemeanor charge will be dismissed with prejudice 60 days after the suspension period ends.
The deferred prosecution effectively places the case in a holding pattern while Stevahn meets specified conditions. A related criminal case involving another employee of the childcare center is moving forward; that matter is scheduled for trial on Nov. 25. Together, these legal developments have prompted questions among parents, caregivers and public officials about reporting practices, oversight and the protections in place for young children in Stutsman County.
Childcare providers occupy a central role in community health and safety. Allegations that an owner failed to report suspected abuse strike at trust between families and those entrusted with children's daily care. For many parents, childcare is not only a convenience but a necessity tied to employment and family stability. When trust is shaken, the implications can ripple beyond individual families, affecting workforce participation, childcare availability and the broader social safety net.
Public health officials and advocates say timely reporting and thorough follow-up are critical to identifying and addressing child maltreatment. Reporting suspected abuse triggers investigations and, when needed, connections to medical care, mental health services and protective interventions. Delays or failures to report can leave children at continued risk and can limit access to early support that mitigates long-term harm.
The cases in Stutsman County illustrate systemic issues that communities nationwide confront: the need for clear training on reporting obligations, accessible pathways for caregivers to file concerns, and adequate resources for child protection agencies to investigate and support affected families. Enhancing staff training at childcare centers, strengthening communication between providers and child welfare authorities, and ensuring transparent policies for parents are practical steps that local stakeholders can pursue.
For now, parents and community members will be watching the Nov. 25 trial and the outcome of Stevahn’s deferred prosecution. The legal resolution in these matters will influence not only the individuals involved but also local conversations about accountability and preventive measures. As the county navigates these cases, ensuring child safety, restoring community trust and bolstering systems that protect children remain public health priorities.
