ST. LOUIS
Five people have been indicted in an alleged scheme to steal $511,692 from a Missouri child care expansion program, with some funds used for kickbacks, travel and luxury goods, officials announced this week.
LaDonna P. Smith, 43, pleaded not guilty Monday to five counts of wire fraud and two counts of identity theft. Dennis L. Douglas, 40, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to five counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Deaun A. Flowers, 61, Princess T. Jones, 47, and Toi P. Jones, 65, are each charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of theft of government property.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
According to a March 18, 2026, indictment, the defendants exploited a Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education program funded through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to support new or expanding child care facilities.
The scheme ran from August 2021 through February 2023.
Prosecutors allege Smith submitted fraudulent applications for “Little Precious Angels Childcare 2” and “Little Precious Angels Childcare 3,” obtaining $100,000 and $127,066, respectively. Douglas allegedly received $79,927 through a false application for “Above and Beyond Playmate Center.”
Smith, Flowers and Toi Jones are accused of securing $129,699 for “Totta Tots Daycare,” including a $30,000 kickback to Smith. After the state sought repayment of $100,000 for improper spending, Flowers allegedly wrote a $15,000 check to Toi Jones and $11,000 to herself.
Douglas and Princess Jones are accused of obtaining about $75,000 for “Childhood Memories Daycare and Learning Center,” including a $20,000 kickback to Douglas.
The indictment alleges the defendants submitted false or altered receipts, invoices and lease agreements to show funds were spent on allowable expenses, including equipment, rent, salaries and renovations. In some cases, documents were fabricated; in others, dates were altered to qualify for reimbursement.
Smith and another individual also allegedly attempted to obtain an additional $125,000 for “Bright Star Academy,” according to the indictment.