CAPE CORAL
The Cape Coral Police Department has arrested a man they say was sexually battering a child daycare in Cape Coral.
Police responded to a call about the abuse on Thursday after a child’s parent discovered evidence of it.
According to police, the mother of a child younger than 12 years old, who attends daycare on Northeast 19th Avenue, discovered a letter in her daughter’s backpack addressed to ‘Bobby’ that referenced sexual activity.
Cape Coral police identified ‘Bobbo’ as Bobby D. Holland, 37, the live-in boyfriend of the daycare operator.
Detectives investigating the case learned that Holland had sex with the child and encouraged the child to keep it a secret so he would not get in trouble. Police say the child was also encouraged to write ‘love letters’ to Holland.
Police say the child stayed at the day overnight several nights a week due to her mother’s overnight work schedule.
“They stayed there for many nights throughout the week, so the child described in detail exactly what happened. That child also stated this occurred just about every night that they were there,” said Cape Coral Police PIO Brandon Sancho.
Cape Coral police say the daycare is unlicensed and has been issued a cease and desist.
Police say the parents of children known to use the facility have been contacted and informed. Any parent continuing to utilize the services of this facility could face separate and individual criminal charges.
Elaina Louchart knew something was off the moment she first saw Besties Babysitting, the daycare where the abuse is alleged to have taken place, seven months ago.
“Immediately. Like, when I walked into the door, I was like, I’m not sure why I even decided to come in here. Just by the outside. I was only there for about less than a minute. And I was like, this is not going to work for me,” said Louchart
Looking into the daycare for her son, Louchart says the red flags were hard to ignore. “The outside of the house was messy. And like, ranked marijuana. And we walk into the house, and I see all the kids like 10-15 kids, and they’re in like a little corner. Like being neglected,” said Louchart. ‘It just didn’t, just didn’t look right.”
While she didn’t see Holland, she says the woman she did speak with didn’t leave a good impression.
“I got a couple weird vibes. Like it was not really easy to have a conversation with her,” Louchart said. “I just was like, I mean, I can’t do this to my baby. It felt disgusting. And I didn’t feel safe. It just didn’t seem right. It didn’t feel right. It didn’t sit right with me.”
Needless to say, she’s grateful she listened to her gut and didn’t settle for the daycare just because it was affordable.
“I am so glad I listened to my gut. You gotta like pay attention to your surroundings and not just be desperate for childcare. I mean, I was desperate but not that desperate,” Louchart said.
Holland faces a charge of sexual battery on a child less than 12 years of age. He is being held without bond.
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