BERN TOWNSHIP, PA (The Mercury) A 33-year-old Columbia County man is facing charges after two children reported they were sexually abused at a daycare center in Bern Township, authorities said.
And Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said Friday that more children will be interviewed.
Andrew J. McCollin of Berwick was initially arrested Aug. 30 and charged with indecent assault, corrupting minors, and endangering the welfare of a child after a 4-year-old boy told county detectives that McCollin had touched him inappropriately at Creative Beginnings Child Care Center at 2390 Bernville Road, which is part of the Bright Horizons group.
The boy identified the teacher as “Mr. Andrew” and said the teacher rubbed his back under his clothing.
Detectives interviewed McCollin, and he admitted touching the victim on more than one occasion.
McCollin surrendered to detectives and posted the $75,000 bail set by District Judge Brian Strand.
After the arrest, detectives continued their investigation and received a second allegation of sexual assault of a child. A 5-year-old boy told detectives Thursday that “Mr. Andrew” touched his genitals and buttocks on more than one occasion.
Adams was informed of the second allegation and approved filing the additional charges against McCollin.
An initial report of the additional charges was unclear that the alleged victim was a second child.
An arrest warrant was issued, and detectives traveled to Berwick again to arrest McCollin, this time charging him with aggravated indecent assault, institutional sexual assault in addition to the three prior charges. McCollin was committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $60,000 following arraignment before Strand on the new charges.
“This investigation is not over,” Adams said Friday. “We will be interviewing more children as we move forward with this case. And we believe we will be filing additional charges in the future.”
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Nationally recognized sex abuse attorney Jeff Herman stated “I am disappointed to see more allegations against another Bright Horizons school, alleging that another male staff member was accused of molesting yet another child.”
Herman Law has represented several families with claims against Bright Horizons, who have had children with allegations of sexual abuse.
In March of 2016, a jury awarded our client 3 million dollars in a trial against Bright Horizons for sexual abuse. To view the full article click HERE.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse, Herman Law may be able to help you achieve justice. Jeff Herman is a trailblazer in the representation of victims of sexual abuse, devoting 100% of his practice to the cause. Renowned for his aggressive and tireless advocacy on behalf of his clients, and his determination to help his clients heal through the litigation process, Jeff understands the unique issues involved in the representation of survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
Jeff Herman and his team only handle sexual abuse cases and have represented over 2,000 victims since 1997. The firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency basis. Now is the time to reach out, seek justice and begin to heal.
Please contact us today to discuss your options.
