Day Care Under Investigation Will Continue to Use City Property Free of Charge

Members of the Newport School Committee confirmed that a day care under investigation for second degree child molestation is using a city property free of charge.

Newport Superintendent John Ambrogi reportedly told school committee members Friday morning that he will continue to allow Tender Care Learning Center, a for-profit business, the use of Coggeshall School for a summer camp at no charge.

On Tuesday, police arrested the 17-year-old son of the center's co-owner Gregory Johnson. The teenager allegedly put his hands up a 5-year-old girl's shorts while at the center. Johnson also runs a daycare out of his Gould Street house.

Johnson’s partner Peter Gallipeau confirmed the daycare is a for-profit business. He said Johnson manages the day-to-day operations and Gallipeau provided the up-front investment.

Gallipeau said he is “disturbed” by the news.

“As a parent myself, I was deeply disturbed to learn about the alleged molestation incident at the center, and my heart goes out to the alleged victim and her family,” he said. 

Gallipeau said he does not plan to dissolve the partnership. 

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