Jury seating area - file photo.
Jury seating area - File Photo.

Two daycare workers sentenced for child abuse in Alabama

January 10, 2026

Daleville, AL – Kailey Gilley and Magan Koker, employees of Happy Hearts Christian Academy Daycare, have received prison sentences for abusing children in their care. Both women were sentenced to five years in prison following a plea agreement that left the sentence undisclosed at the time.

They will also serve a probation term of three years and are not eligible for parole. Gilley faced multiple counts of abuse, while Koker was charged with several counts of aggravated child abuse and torture.

Court records indicate that the women were arrested on October 10 after alarming injuries were discovered on a child picked up from the daycare. The case began when parents noticed bruising and swelling on their child, leading to a police investigation.

During the court proceedings, emotional testimony was provided by parents of the affected children. The judge emphasized the severity of the abuse after reviewing the evidence.

The daycare remains closed following the arrests. Happy Hearts Christian Academy Daycare, which had been described as a safe environment, catered to children up to age ten.

Shore News Network

Shore News Network

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