A daycare worker was recently arrested and charged with numerous offenses related to inappropriate interactions with children. The alleged sexual assault incidents purportedly took place at a Colorado church that offers childcare services to the surrounding community. The 19-year-old defendant in this case was an employee of the church daycare facility.
The defendant pleaded guilty to two felony counts, first-degree assault and attempted sexual assault. Although he has not yet appeared for a sentencing hearing, it is expected that he will face 20 to 40 years in prison with at least ten years of supervised probation following his release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
A total of nine preschool aged children reported being inappropriately touched by the defendant in this case. One child claims that the man would continue to “tickle” her, even after she told him to stop. Another child claimed that the man inappropriately touched and licked her.
Originally, the defendant faced additional sexual assault on a child charges that could have resulted in a life sentence. By accepting a plea bargain in this case, the defendant not only spared himself from potentially serving a life sentence in prison, but the prosecution is content because children won’t have to testify in court.
The church-run daycare center was temporarily closed down by the Colorado Department of Human Services following the criminal allegations. The department reported that “lack of supervision” likely played a role in the assaults. The church has reportedly developed new training programs and stricter policies in an effort to increase oversight and prevent future incidents.
Source
TheDenverChannel.com, ABC 7 News: “Park Hill Day Care Worker Pleads Guilty in Sex Assault Case,” Kim Ngan Nguyen, 9 May 2011