Sexual Abuse Occurred at Daycare Center

Cary Jones, a 47-year-old resident of Three Rivers in St. Joseph County, has been found guilty of sexual abuse of several children at a home daycare center. He was found guilty on two counts of accosting, enticing or soliciting a child for immoral purposes, and six counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

According to information provided by Attorney General Bill Schuette’s Office, Jones lived in the home where the daycare was located. He also provided transportation for the children from school to the daycare. And he was regularly left alone with the children as well.

 
It all began when one of the daycare children reported to their parents that someone at the daycare had touched them inappropriately. This was reported to authorities. Michigan State Police then began an investigation.

 
MSP detectives, working together with Child Protective Services (CPS) workers, conducted interviews of all of the children. It was an effort to determine how many, if any, had been sexually assaulted. The daycare, which was licensed to Tabitha Gordon, then had its license suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

 
However, once the investigation began, several other alleged victims of sexual abuse came forward.  Unnamed media sources claim that the victims ranged in age between 3 and 12 years of age. This information has not been officially supported by authorities.

 
Under Michigan law, accosting, enticing or soliciting a child for immoral purposes is a felony punishable by up to four years, with fines of up to $4,000. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct, which implies sexual contact with someone under the age of 13 or over whom the accused has authority is also a felony. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

 
Jones’ sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 19th in the St. Joseph County Circuit Court.