Former Chesco Daycare Owner Sexually Assaulted Children: Cops

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A former daycare owner in Chester County has been arrested for sexually assaulting children, authorities said.

James Anthony Battista, 64, once owned the in-home Little Friends Daycare in Penn Township, Pennsylvania State Police said. His wife was the co-owner.

Reports of sexual assault surfaced last June, when Pennsylvania State Police were told that Battista had assaulted a three-year-old child.

An investigation determined that three more children were sexually assaulted by Battista at the daycare, all between three and seven-years-old, according to state police.

The assaults reportedly occurred over a three-year period, from 2006 to 2009.

The daycare closed in 2010, NBC Philadelphia reports, and Battista then moved to Delaware County.

Battista was booked at Chester County Prison on $500,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for March 19.

State Police believe there may bemore victims. If you have any information, contact PA State Trooper Stefano Gallina at (610) 268-2022.

This is a breaking story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.