PHILADELPHIA — A former Philadelphia day care owner has pleaded guilty in the drowning of a boy who attended her unlicensed center.
Thirty-two-year-old Tianna Edwards faces up to 22 years in prison at sentencing. She pleaded guilty Thursday to involuntary manslaughter and other charges.
Prosecutors say it took police nine hours to find 7-year-old Isear Jeffcoat's body in the murky backyard pool at her mother's house.
They say Edwards dropped off 20 children and toddlers for a swim in June 2012 and then left.
Edwards is already serving five years for taking $1.4 million in improper day care payments.
Her lawyer says she pleaded guilty to take responsible for what he called a "tragic accident."
Authorities say Edwards hid her criminal record to open Tianna's Terrific Tots and spent government payments on gambling and personal expenses.
