An eastern Nebraska woman faces a child abuse charge in connection with the death of a toddler at her day care facility.

The Associated Press reports Nancy Tierney of Blair has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse due to negligence.

A 16-month-old girl drowned in August inside a pool at Tierney’s home, which served as a certified day care facility. An arrest affidavit last week says Tierney left the girl and other children unattended when she used the bathroom.

Tierney told investigators she had checked the pool gate lock and believed it was secure. Her day care license was later revoked.

Tierney’s attorney says his client is a caring woman in great pain. He called her a good citizen with decades of experience caring for children.

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