Attorneys: New Evidence Expands Scope Of Avon Daycare Abuse Probe

AVON, CT — Attorneys representing several families connected to the ongoing BrightPath Avon daycare investigation said Wednesday that newly filed criminal charges suggest the scope of the alleged abuse may extend beyond incidents captured by surveillance cameras.

The statements came after authorities filed additional charges against Jan Berrios-Otero, a former employee of BrightPath Avon Early Learning and Child Care Center on Simsbury Road.

Police initially arrested Berrios-Otero on April 1 after an investigation that began when daycare administrators reported suspected inappropriate contact involving a child.

According to police and court records, investigators have since expanded the case and filed additional charges related to six alleged incidents involving five children.

Berrios-Otero faces multiple counts, including fourth-degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor and aggravated sexual assault of a minor. Authorities said several of the alleged victims were younger than 13.

Berrios-Otero remains held on a combined $4 million bond and is scheduled to appear June 23 in Litchfield Superior Court.

Attorneys Sarah Klein and Eric W. Schoenberg, who represent multiple families pursuing civil claims related to the case, said Wednesday, June 3, that a recently signed arrest warrant reinforces concerns that investigators may still be uncovering additional information.

"From the outset, we have warned that cameras do not tell the whole story," Klein and Schoenberg said in a joint statement. "This warrant is particularly significant because it demonstrates that a child can be believed and a case can move forward even when there is no video recording of the abuse itself."

Klein said child sexual abuse disclosures often emerge gradually and may not initially be understood by families.

"Families should not dismiss concerns simply because there is no photograph, no video, or no eyewitness," Klein said. "Child sexual abuse rarely occurs in front of an audience."

Schoenberg said some children may not immediately recognize that abuse has occurred, particularly when the alleged offender is in a position of trust.

"Every new warrant reinforces the need for complete transparency regarding what occurred at BrightPath Avon, who knew what, and whether additional children may have been harmed," Schoenberg said.

The attorneys urged families whose children attended BrightPath Avon during Berrios-Otero's employment to review any past behavioral changes, comments, injuries, sleep disturbances or disclosures that may warrant further attention.

The criminal investigation remains ongoing.

Separately, multiple civil lawsuits filed in Hartford Superior Court accuse BrightPath operators Educational Play Care Ltd. and Busy Bees US Holdings Limited of negligence.

The lawsuits allege the companies failed to adequately supervise employees and children and failed to respond appropriately to complaints and warning signs involving Berrios-Otero.

The complaints also allege retaliation against staff members who reported concerns.

The allegations in the civil lawsuits remain pending, and the defendants have not been found liable in court.

On May 22, the BrightPath Avon shut down operations amid the investigation.

From May 28: 'More Charges Expected In Avon Daycare Child Sex Assault Probe: Police'

From May 22: 'As Avon Daycare Closes, Attorneys For Alleged Sex Abuse Victims Say Questions Remain'

From May 14: 'More Legal Trouble For Former Avon Daycare Over Child Sex Assault Allegations'

From May 13: 'Avon Daycare Clarifies Sex Assault Suspect's Prior Assignments, Defends Hiring Practices: UPDATE'

From May 8: 'Ex-Preschool Worker Charged In Avon Child Abuse Case Worked At 3 Other Sites: Company'

From April 24: 'Police: Avon Daycare Worker Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 5 Children: UPDATE'

From April 23: 'Avon Child Care Center Announces Closure Following Abuse Allegations, Lawsuit'

From April 9: 'Avon Daycare Sued Over Allegations 3-Year-Old Was Abused: Court.'

From April 1: 'Avon Preschool Employee Accused Of 'Inappropriate Contact:' Police'