Rockland Post

SPRING VALLEY — A woman has been arrested and charged in connection with an unlicensed child‑care operation at a White Street home where a 6‑month‑old baby was found unresponsive and later died, according to local police and state officials.

Spring Valley police say they were called to 18 White Street on Jan. 22 after reports that an infant was unresponsive inside a private residence. Officers arrived within minutes and began life‑saving efforts. The baby was taken to a hospital, where the child was later pronounced dead.

Authorities discovered eight other children inside the home, ranging in age from toddlers to about 8 years old. Child Protective Services and the Rockland County Building Department were called to assist in the investigation.

Unlicensed Day Care Closed by State Officials

Following the incident, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) confirmed it had issued a “cease and desist” order on Jan. 30, forcing the immediate closure of what investigators determined was an unlicensed day‑care operation at the residence. OCFS said the operator was not licensed or registered to care for children there.

In a statement released with the state’s action, officials said the death of a child is “an unspeakable tragedy,” and expressed sympathy for the family and community.

Charges Filed, No Evidence So Far of Direct Link to Death

Police and court documents identify the operator as 47‑year‑old Maria L. Nava‑Nava, who is now charged with seven counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Investigators allege that while officers were on scene, Nava‑Nava moved several children, including some aged 2 to 8, into a converted garage area of the home and left them unattended for a period of time.

Authorities have said there is no evidence so far that her actions directly contributed to the infant’s death, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case.

Nava‑Nava was arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court on Feb. 18 and released on her own recognizance. She is due back in court next month.

Property Inspection and Community Safety

A follow‑up inspection by code enforcement officials found multiple violations at the property, and the home has been reportedly secured while building and safety officials continue routine procedures.

Local police encourage anyone with information about the case to contact the Spring Valley Police Department at 845‑356‑7400.

If you’d like, I can help you draft a sidebar or “What You Need to Know” box for print — for example, explaining how OCFS licensing works in Rockland County and what residents should look for to ensure caregivers are properly registered.