Day care owner accused of sexually assaulting child faces judge

STANLEY, N.C. — Robert Kerby, a local day care worker, faces 11 child sex charges.

Police expect to find evidence of child pornography after seizing video cameras, computers and hard drives.

Police said Kerby was friends with the victim's family. He's accused of molesting her at the day care and at her home.

The abuse started in 2009 and ended recently when the girl told a family friend, who then told her parents, according to police.

"We just believe it is reasonably possible there will be other victims coming forward in this matter," said Jeff Jackson, prosecutor.

Prosecutors wanted a $5 million bond for Kerby. The judge asked for Kerby's opinion on bond.

"No, your honor," Kerby said. "I'll need to consult with my attorney."

Kerby and his wife ran Caron's Care out of their home in Stanley for 19 years.

Police talked to the parents of nine children attending the day care as of this week and they have a message for the parents of passed attendees.

"If they believe they were victimized, give us a call at the Stanley Police Department," said Acting Chief Derek Summey.

Alisha Floyd's children briefly attended the Caron's Care earlier this year.

"It's creepy," Floyd said. "It's like, it gives you a feeling in the pit of your stomach."

She talked to her children this morning and they said they had no problems.

"All parents need to have that conversation with their kids," Floyd said.

Kerby's friend Gary Privette is convinced police got it wrong.

"There have never been any kind of indication that he would do something like that," Privette said. "I've known Robert for years. No, I don't think he did this."

Kerby's bond was set at $3.5 million.

Police have spent the week interviewing several children who attended the day care that had its license suspended Wednesday.

Police would not say if Kerby's wife is a suspect.

Police is asking for anyone with information on this case or anyone who believes that they have been a victim to contact Stanley police at 704-866-3300 or Gaston County Crime Stoppers at 704-861-8000.

WSOC