Police: Hudson Valley Man Sexually Abused Children In Day, Foster Care

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A Warwick resident is accused of sexually molesting children at daycare/foster homes in Orange and Delaware counties and a Mamakating resident is accused of failing to report it, New York State police said.

Olson, 59, who was first arrested in May, was indicted by a grand jury in Delaware County on seven charges, including predatory sexual assault against a child and first-degree rape. He sent to the Delaware County Jail without bail. In June he was arrested on five charges in Orange County. After arraignment there, he was sent back to the Delaware County Jail, where he remains, police said.

During their investigation, clinical social worker Joan Parks was accused of being aware, police said.

On Aug. 22, Parks, 80, was charged with failure to report child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, two misdemeanors. She is due in Warwick town court Sept. 6.

The incidents alleged to have occurred at daycare/foster care homes in Warwick in Orange County and in Andes in Delaware County.

The arrests were the result of a joint investigation by the New York State Police working in conjunction with Orange County Child Protective Services. It stemmed from allegations made that Olson sexually abused multiple juveniles, police said.

Olson faces in Delaware County: (1) count Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a class “A-II” Felony, (1) count Rape 1st degree, a class “B” Felony, (1) count Criminal Sexual Act 1st degree, a class “B” Felony, (1) count Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child 1st degree, a class “B” Felony, (1) count Criminal Sexual Act 2nd degree, a Class “D” Felony, (1) count Rape 2nd degree, a class “D” Felony, and (1) count Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class “A” Misdemeanor.

He faces in Orange County: (1) count Attempted Rape 1st degree, a Class “C” Felony, (2) count Sexual Abuse 1st degree, a class “D” Felony, and (2) Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child 2nd degree, class “D” Felony.

State Police are asking anyone who may have been victimized by John Olson or Parks to contact Orange County Child Abuse at the New York State Police at 845-291-2836 or 845-291-2810.