Saturday, May 18, 2013

Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

Witness steps forward about daycare allegations
Posted: 03.23.2010 at 6:53 PM
3
Slideshow
Photo:

After more accusations against an ex Sunshine Academy daycare worker surfaced, a witness steps forward to speak about her alleged experiences with Francisco Lopez.

The girl whom we'll call Jane wants to remain anonymous.

"He tried to romance me," said Jane.

She recalls her time at Sunshine Academy when she was younger.

"He approached me with an idea of a relationship together or maybe something physical, and I refused," said Jane.

Jane claims Francisco Lopez, the accused child molestor who worked at the center, bought her things and wanted to have a relationship with her when she was only 12 years old.

"He wrote it to me in a letter because there were other adults around," said Jane.

She said she allegedly showed it to Esther Rodriguez, the owner of the daycare.

"Esther told me that I had written it myself," said Jane.

Five alleged victims have since come forward claiming the same man, Francisco Lopez, also known as "Champ" inappropriately touched them while he worked at Sunshine Academy.

The owner has denied the allegations.

"Why would a child that young lie about something like that?" said Jane.

Jane claims to have seen Champ in action.

"He actually reached into her skirt and actually squeezed her butt," said Jane.

She's talking about another minor who was 11 years old at the time.

Action 4 News spoke to Esther Rodriguez's attorney, and he said Rodriguez is surprised that the witness is going to the media instead of law enforcement, and she said it's the first time she's heard of a witness.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Man attacks woman with a cable box
Action 4 News Staff  |  Today at 9:21 AM  |  14 comments
Thumbnail
Over $5.1 million dollars of dope found in Garceno home
Katie Lopez  |  Today at 10:45 AM  |  3 comments
Thumbnail
Continuous sexual assault of girl lands man in jail
Action 4 News Staff  |  Yesterday at 2:42 PM  |  28 comments
Follow Valley Central
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
KGBT on Twitter
Follow Action 4 News on Twitter
Hurricane Page
Action 4 News has placed all our Hurricane Season videos, maps, stories and resources on one page.
Action 4 News Mobile App
Download the Action 4 News mobile app for iPhone or Android.
Weather Sketchers
Hey kids! Submit your drawing for the Action 4 News "Weather Sketchers" program.
ADVERTISEMENT