A 78-year-old man has been charged with four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor after being accused of sexually assaulting a young child. The Las Cruces Police Department reported that the co-owner of a closed daycare facility was charged following an investigation.
78-year-old Juan Cardiel was arrested on Wednesday. LCPD reports that it learned that the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department was investigating Cardiel Childcare Services at 5532 Century Lane for allegations of sexual abuse committed at the daycare.
LCPD investigators discovered that the daycare’s license was recently suspended by the state. LCPD investigators participated in a forensic interview with a 4-year-old girl who attended the daycare. Investigators believe that Juan Cardiel had sexual contact with the victim on at least four occasions.
Cardiel is currently being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center without bond. Authorities believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information should contact police at 575-526-0795.
Jay Skelton is an independent crime journalist with a passion for covering the uncovered and the under covered.