The Department of Social Services has shut down the Gerber daycare at the center of a child molestation case. At a press conference Thursday, Tehama County's district Attorney revealed new details about the alleged crimes. Saying that 63-year-old Ralph Martin is accused of victimizing both boys and girls.
This case continues to grow and with each new detail, it becomes more and more disturbing.
Kids playfully called him "Raphie" but the Tehama County D.A. alleges Ralph Elvis Martin was a predator pretending to be a friend.
“It’s despicable, aggregations, you know, immoral conduct,” said Greg Cohen.
Investigators are looking far and wide to find anyone sexually abused by Martin. So far officials have interviewed 50 clients that used Country Kids Childcare in the last 3 years.
“Those charges at this point encompass four separate victims, four separate child victims,” said Cohen
Cohen says both boys and girls, from ages two to ten, were victims of martin. He expects more cases to come forward.
“I believe there is a strong possibility more victims will be identified or have been identified,” said Cohen.
On Tuesday, the Department of Social Services shut down the childcare center to quote "Protect children in care at the facility from substantial threat to their health and safety."
“He had been unfortunately frequently left with the children,” said Cohen.
Martin faces life in prison if convicted.
If you believe for any reason that your child may have been a victim of Ralph Martin, you are asked to call investigator Dave Baker at the Tehama County D.A.'s office at 529-3590
