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Federal Judges Allow Lawsuit Over Abuse at Robins AFB Daycare to Move Ahead
Reversal of lower court's decision allows families to sue U.S. government for failing to protect children.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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A panel of three federal judges has ruled unanimously that a lawsuit over abuse at a daycare center at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia can move forward. The lawsuit stems from incidents in early 2021 where two daycare employees physically and emotionally abused three children, including hitting them, forcing them to fight each other, and spraying them with cleaning chemicals. The families sued the U.S. government, arguing it failed in its duty to care for and protect the children under Air Force policy. A previous federal judge had ruled the government was protected from the lawsuit, but the appeals court judges disagreed, finding the government was obligated to supervise and protect the children.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of proper oversight and accountability for government-run childcare facilities, especially on military bases where families rely on these services. The reversal of the lower court's decision allows the families to seek justice and potentially force changes to improve safety and supervision at the Robins AFB daycare center.
The details
According to the court, two employees of the on-base daycare - Zhanay Flynn and Antanesha Fritz - "physically and emotionally abused three children at the center," including hitting the children in the face, making them fight other children, and spraying them with cleaning solution. Flynn and Fritz both pleaded guilty to criminal charges, while former daycare director Latona Lambert was convicted. The families then sued the U.S. government, arguing it failed in its duty to care for and protect the children under Air Force policy. A previous federal judge had ruled the government was protected from the lawsuit under sovereign immunity, but the appeals court judges disagreed, finding the government was obligated to supervise and protect the children.
- The abuse incidents occurred between January and February 2021.
- The federal appeals court judges handed down their ruling on Tuesday, February 9, 2026.
The players
Zhanay Flynn
A former employee of the Robins AFB daycare center who pleaded guilty to charges related to the abuse of children at the facility.
Antanesha Fritz
A former employee of the Robins AFB daycare center who pleaded guilty to charges related to the abuse of children at the facility.
Latona Lambert
The former director of the Robins AFB daycare center who was convicted of charges related to the abuse of children at the facility.
What’s next
The case will now return to the federal court in Macon, Georgia, where it will proceed.
The takeaway
The reversal of the lower court's decision in this case sends a strong message that the government cannot simply avoid responsibility for failures to properly supervise and protect children in its care, even on military bases. This ruling could lead to improved safety and accountability measures at government-run daycares nationwide.
