A Connecticut child care provider has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting the children in her care, police said.
Helen Leah Ferriolo is facing charges including fourth-degree sexual assault, four counts of risk of injury to a child, and three counts of second-degree unlawful restraint in connection with the alleged abuse, the Stamford Advocate reported. Police said she worked as a nanny in the New Haven area prior to her arrest.
An investigation was launched into Ferriolo back in August, when a concerned parent reached out to authorities. They filed a complaint regarding “lewd behavior” that allegedly occurred in July, while their child was under Ferriolo’s care, according to WTNH.
West Haven police officers and officials with Department of Children and Families went on to interview several adults, and they also conducted forensic interviews with the children before issuing a warrant for Ferriolo’s arrest. She was taken into custody on Sept. 20.
Ferriolo has since been released on $50,000 bond and is due to appear in state Superior Court in Meriden on October 3.
Authorities have not provided further information about the case nor the accusations brought against 40-year-old Ferriolo, including the nature of the alleged abuse.
