Sarah Heinz House education program director accused of sexually assaulting child he babysat
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A program director at the Sarah Heinz House is accused of sexually abusing a boy.
The boy's mom is warning other parents after the babysitter, 25-year-old Nicholas Gindele from Eighty Four in Washington County, was arrested.
Investigators say Gindele is accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old. His mom says she found Gindele on the website Care.com because she needed a babysitter. He worked at the youth organization Sarah Heinz House on the North Side as the education program director before he was arrested and let go.
Court documents show Gindele's bail was denied, stating that he's a safety risk to the community.
Investigators say they were contacted at the end of May about the alleged sexual abuse of a 6-year-old boy. The boy told police he was abused by Gindele, his babysitter. The child's mom told KDKA over the phone she hired Gindele through the website Care.com a little more than a year ago and says he occasionally babysat her son. She says he also babysat for other families.
"I feel like I can't be the only one and encourage other parents to ask their kids about Nicholas Gindele and come forward," she said.
She said what's most disturbing is she paid a premium to get extra background checks done through the website and trusted he'd be a good sitter given his status at Sarah Heinz House, which is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of America. Sarah Heinz House says all employees must undergo a comprehensive background check prior to being hired, as well as annually.
Sarah Heinz House also issued this statement:
"The safety and protection of the young people we serve are always our absolute highest priorities, and we take any situation that might impact their well-being very seriously. Sarah Heinz House is aware of the arrest of a former staff member charged with allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a minor. Upon learning this information from authorities, our organization acted quickly to terminate this individual, who is now barred from all Club programs and facilities. We will continue to offer our full cooperation to authorities as needed.
"While the circumstances leading to this arrest did not occur on Club premises or involve Club members, we are deeply saddened by this very serious matter as crimes of abuse run counter to everything our organization stands for - no harm should come to any child under any circumstance.
"Sarah Heinz House is committed to the highest standards of ethical behavior and integrity and does not tolerate inappropriate or illegal behavior on the part of any Club staff, volunteer, or youth member. All employees and volunteers must undergo a comprehensive criminal background check prior to hire and annually, and all supervisory policies are designed to ensure the maximum safety and protection of Club members and staff.
"As this is an active police investigation, we are unable to offer further comment. Sarah Heinz House's commitment to our Club youth, their families, and our community is unwavering."
Pittsburgh Police, who's handling this case, says they've not been made aware of other victims, however, they are still actively investigating and encourage anyone who has concerns to give them a call at 412-323-7141.