More Charges Filed Against Former Daycare Worker
SCOTT TOWNSHIP (KDKA/AP) -- A former daycare worker, accused in the alleged assault of young boys, is now facing new charges.
Additional charges of sexual assault, involuntary deviant sexual intercourse and making terroristic threats were filed against 25-year-old Matthew Byars earlier this week, bringing the total number of molestation cases against him to eight.
A criminal complaint says: "The actor warned him not to say anything or he would harm the victim's family." At least one victim says he was fondled at the daycare and submitted to it because, "He was my teacher so I had to listen."
A hearing for Byars today was waived.
"We waived the preliminary hearings," Todd Hollis, Byars' defense attorney, said. "We thought it was in the best interest of the children."
Authorities are concerned there could be more victims.
"Mr. Byars had access to a number of children and a number of different daycare facilities through sporting events, through church groups and if there are parents out there who have concern about their children, our request is that you call the City of Pittsburgh police or the Allegheny County Police," Laura Ditka, a prosecuting attorney, said.
Byars was arrested in July and charged with indecent assault, endangering the welfare of a child and several other counts after a 9-year-old boy came forward.
Byars was an employee at the Tender Care Learning Center in Scott Township. He was suspended from his job pending a full investigation of all of the charges against him.
In a statement, Tender Care said it's focused on the children and working with their parents to ensure their safety.
The families of two of the alleged victims have sued the daycare center. Byars remains jailed.
RELATED LINKS:
Allegheny County Courthouse
Charges Against Tender Care Worker Continue To Grow
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