Ballantyne daycare worker accused of fondling children faces more charges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have identified two male victim, ages 6 and 9, and signed additional warrants against Joseph Starnes, a private school teacher in Ballantyne, who is accused of sexually abusing young children on school property.

Investigators said that Starnes will be charged with four counts of indecent liberties with a student by a teacher and two counts of indecent liberties with a child.

[PREVIOUS STORY: Man accused of fondling 2 children at Ballantyne day car center]

Police said Starnes forcibly fondled kids on school property at least six times. Detectives said the investigation started on March 7, after an 8-year-old boy told his parents on the ride home from day care that Starnes had inappropriately touched him.

Police then found out about another victim, a 7-year-old boy.

“Unfortunately, when we have adults who have an opportunity to be with children and engage in this type of behavior, we have to go back in time and explore all those opportunities that they may have come in contact with children,” said Lt. Tom Barry.

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