Editor’s note: BenitoLink intern Camille Mattish contributed to the article. Lea este articulo en español aquí.
The Hollister Police Department identified four alleged victims of possible sexual assault at a Hollister preschool.
Hollister Police Sgt. Aurelio Melgoza told BenitoLink that four children younger than 5 years old were identified as possible victims following the arrest of Victoria Grimmett, owner of Miss Vicky’s Preschool and Childcare, and Justin Allen, her son-in-law, on April 12.
According to court documents filed April 16, Allen was charged with suspicion of committing lewd and lascivious acts around March 1 with a child under 14 with the intent of “arousing, appealing to and gratifying the lust, passions and sexual desires” with the child.
Allen, 44, pleaded not guilty in court, the documents state.
“There was a complaint by one of the victims’ parents about a possible sexual assault allegation that happened at the location and Justin Allen was the main suspect,” Melgoza said.
After the arrest, Grimmett posted bail and Allen was held without bail.
Miss Vicky’s Preschool and Childcare, a home-based organization offering childcare and education for infants, toddlers and preschool children, is located at 1220 Sequoia Court. The school was established in 1998.
The school’s website is currently unavailable and calls to the school went unanswered.
Allen was living in the home at the time, but he was not an employee of the preschool, Melgoza said. In order for Grimmett to hold a childcare license, she was required to disclose anyone living in the house, he said.
Theresa Mier, information officer for the California Department of Social Services Public Affairs and Outreach Programs told BenitoLink on April 30 that the department opened an investigation related to the school and could not comment.
Mier said the school’s license was placed on inactive status, meaning that the school is not operational and can not provide licensed child care services.
Every parent who had a child enrolled at the preschool was informed of the allegations, Melgoza said, adding that Hollister police are working with Child Protective Services and the San Benito County District Attorney’s Office on the investigation.
No statement or news release will be circulated, Melgoza and District Attorney Joel Buckingham said.
Buckingham told BenitoLink on May 8, “Given the age of the minors we really want to avoid any possibility of something that would forensically undermine the case. It’s really important to be careful so we get accurate information from the children.”
While the case is ongoing, families of the children who attended the preschool can access resources from the county.
“Due to the investigation and allegations, the parents and the whole family are able to get assistance in mental health.” Melgoza said.
A preliminary court date for Allen is set for May 23 at 8:30 a.m. at San Benito County Superior Court.
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