9 Investigates

9 Investigates: Sexual abuse allegations suspend license at Bright Horizons Daycare at Baldwin Park

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials with the state of Florida have suspended the license for Bright Horizons Daycare facility in Baldwin Park, Channel 9 investigative reporter Daralene Jones learned.

The license was suspended following allegations a former teacher, Jayrico Hamilton, sexually abused two young children at the facility for months.

Bright Horizons Daycare at Baldwin Park has also been ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.

Investigators with the Department of Children and Families said Hamilton sexually abused children in his classroom.

Eyewitness News has reported that two civil lawsuits have been filed by the families against the day care facility and Hamilton.

Investigators with DCF determined the facility failed to perform a proper background check on Hamilton and said in the report, "When a licensing counselor inspected the facility during this investigation, they found ‘no employment’ reference checks were performed prior to Mr. Hamilton being hired in 2016. Had a check been done they would have known he was terminated for cause from a Navy facility in Virginia."

The inspector of DCF found "The facility did not perform the required Virginia Abuse Registry Check. Had the required abuse registry check for the state been conducted the facility would've discovered that Jayrico Hamilton had an abuse history in the state of Virginia.”

A child told investigators that Hamilton would kiss him while he used the bathroom.

Eyewitness News has reached out to Bright Horizons at Baldwin Park for comment and is waiting on a response.

Orlando police told Eyewitness News Wednesday that Hamiton has not been charged with any crime.

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