Kirk of the Hills officials knew Meredith Allison Howard, 41, was working for the day care center at John Knox Presbyterian Church but did not share information about the abuse investigation, the attorney, Patrick Carr, said.

"If John Knox had known that information, they would never have hired Meredith Howard," he said.

A statement released Saturday night by Kirk of the Hills says: "We are humbled by the jury's recent decision. Our hearts go out to the family and to the child. For over 40 years we've provided a loving, caring, Christ-centered environment for children. This has been our number one priority. In the coming weeks our church leadership will review the decision, as well as its effect on our current policies."

Howard, 41, pleaded no contest in November 2012 to charges of abusing two children on separate occasions. She was charged with using unreasonable force and breaking the thigh bone of an 8-month-old boy at a day-care center affiliated with Kirk of the Hills, 4102 E. 61st St., in December 2008.

In November 2010, Howard was accused of inserting her finger into the vagina of a 19-month-old in November 2010 while working as a teacher's assistant at the John Knox Child Development Center, operated by John Knox Presbyterian Church, 2929 E. 31st St.

A pediatrician said the girl's injuries were severe and required surgery.

District Judge William Kellough imposed a split 15-year term that required Howard to spend 12 years in prison followed by three years on probation. Kellough later modified that to a 14-year, one month suspended sentence and she was released from custody. At the time the judge indicated that Howard, who has a developmental disorder, would be placed in a residential treatment facility in Arizona.