Day-Care Worker Charged With Sex Abuse

John Salinas is accused of fondling a teenager at a bookstore. (Montgomery County Police Departm - Montgomery County Police Departm)

A teacher at a Chevy Chase day-care center was arrested over the weekend for allegedly fondling a 14-year-old male in a restroom stall at a Rockville bookstore, Montgomery County police said yesterday.

John P. Salinas, 37, of Silver Spring was charged with attempted third-degree sex offense and fourth-degree sex offense following an alleged May 20 incident in which he forcibly pulled down the pants and underwear of a teenager who was using the restroom at the Barnes & Noble store on Rockville Pike.

Salinas, who is employed by Wonders Child Care Center, formerly known as All Saints All Day Child Care Center, also had the teenager inappropriately touch him, police said in a charging document. The teenager pushed the man, left the restroom and reported the incident to his father, who was in the store, the document says.

The alleged victim's father confronted Salinas and called police, but Salinas left the store before police arrived.

On Friday, the teenager and his father saw Salinas again while shopping at Wheaton Plaza. The father confronted Salinas again and called police.

Salinas admitted the inappropriate contact with the teenager during an interview with two detectives, according to the charging document.

Salinas did not return a phone message left at his home last night, and it was unclear whether he has a lawyer.

Joyce Chabot, director of finance and administration at the day-care center, said Salinas, who has worked there since August 2002, has been placed on leave while day-care officials investigate the matter.

"Prior to offering him a position, he had successfully completed a background check, and that turned up no prior adverse record," Chabot said. "He has not been the subject of any complaints during his work for us. We want to assure our parents and associates that Mr. Salinas will have no contact with any children in our program until this matter is fully resolved."

Police urge anyone with additional information to call 866-411-TIPS (8477).