INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 23, 2014) — Indianapolis Metropolitan police made an arrest in the alleged molestation of a 4-year-old girl at an Indianapolis daycare.
FOX59 first reported the story Friday.
Police said a staff worker molested the girl at Children’s Choice Learning Center at St. Vincent Hospital Center. Police identified him as Ali Al-Awadi, who was arrested on Friday and charged with child molestation. A police report said Al-Awadi fondled the girl, who told a parent about the incident.
A company called Bright Horizons manages the facility, which is located on the grounds of St. Vincent.
St. Vincent issued the following statement:
We are committed to the health and safety of all children and are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities to investigate the alleged incident at our independently contracted daycare facility, Children’s Choice Learning Center. The suspect employed by Children’s Choice Learning Center has been immediately suspended. Our hearts are with those who have been affected by this difficult situation.
Children’s Choice Learning Center policy requires a background check, reference check and third party background check. A representative from the daycare released a statement, which reads in part:
The teacher had a clear background and reference check at the time of hire. Like all teachers at the center, the teacher underwent an independent third party background check, in addition to what is required by the state of Indiana. No other teachers, parents or children have reported any concerns.
The case remains under investigation.
