Man accused of sexually assaulting child he met through his wife’s unlicensed home day care
The Colorado Springs Police Department says John “Jake” Frey, 68, has been arrested for sexual assault on a child.
Police say Frey met his alleged victim through his wife’s home child care business, which was not licensed.
The investigation began on Feb. 22, 2016 when the first allegation of inappropriate behavior surfaced. Police say that during the course of the investigation, they came to the conclusion that Frey initiated sexual contact with several juveniles in his wife’s care.
Several witnesses and potential victims have been interviewed, but police are asking anyone who has left their children in Frey’s wife’s care to give them a call at 719-444-7000.
“Parents should always be aware. You have to know who you are leaving your children with. We hope that this never happens but unfortunately sometimes it does and that’s why the detectives want to see if there are any other victims,” said CSPD spokesperson Lt. Catherine Buckley.
Right now, Frey is facing a charge of sexual assault on a child. He was arrested on February 24. He was released on $15,000 bail.
Neighbors on Congenial Place said they knew very little about Frey or his wife. Some residents knew about the day care while others didn’t know it was operating out of their home.
Pebbles Long lives with her children a few houses down from Frey.
“It’s scary. We weren’t aware that it was so close, in our neighborhood,” said Long. “I feel for those families.”
Long said she is lucky she gets to stay home and watch her children, but said not everyone is that lucky. She said it can be hard for people to find affordable options with licensed professionals.
“I financially understand some situations, that’s what works. It’s unfortunate that that happens,” said Long.
The licensing of child care facilities is governed under Colorado Revised Statute 26-6-102. If you have questions about the licensing requirement and the regulating of licensed or non-licensed child care facilities, you should contact the Department of Human Services at 303-866-4156.
The state has sent Frey’s wife a cease and desist letter in regards to her day care after police notified the state of the investigation. Buckley said Frey’s wife is currently not facing any charges.
