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Trial continues for Canton day care director

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Cecil Angel

Detroit Free Press

May 11--A Plymouth district judge said today there could be a plea agreement in the case of a day care center director charged with failing to report suspected child abuse.

35th District Judge Ronald Lowe said the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and attorneys for Jacqueline Hadwin have been in talks about a plea.

Lowe adjourned today's pretrial hearing until 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The parties were in court today to discuss various pretrial motions, including witness lists, jury instructions and a motion to dismiss the case.

Hadwin, 36, of Westland was charged after 2-year-old Allison Newman died Sept. 22 in her Canton Township foster home.

Her foster mother, Carol Poole, 40, has been charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in the case.

Prosecutors say Hadwin saw bruises and scratches on Allison at least once, but did not call Child Protective Services.

If convicted of the misdemeanor charge, she faces up to 93 days in jail or a $500 fine or both.

Hadwin has denied wrongdoing.

Allison attended the Childtime Learning Center in Plymouth five days a week.

The state closed the center in October.

Contact CECIL ANGEL at 313-223-4531 or cangel@freepress.com.

2007 May 11