CLEVELAND — WARNING: This story contains graphic details involving alleged sexual abuse of children. Reader discretion is advised.
Amid stories from families of his alleged victims, Jeremy Bahner was arraigned on Friday on charges relating to sexual activity he allegedly had with children while running an alleged unlicensed day care center.
Bahner, a Parma resident, pleaded not guilty to more than a dozen felony charges, including:
- 10 counts of gross sexual imposition
- 4 counts of rape
- 1 count of endangering children
- 1 count of illegal use of minor in nudity-oriented material or performance
- 1 count of possessing criminal tools
Several of the charges contain specifications that name Bahner as a "sexually violent predator," accusing him of touching children under 13, engaging in oral sex, as well as "digital penetration."
"I feel like a weak person because I was fooled by a monster that hurt kids," one mother said to Judge Steven Gall at the arraignment. Another asked the judge to force Bahner to live separately from his two daughters if he posted bond.
Bahner's attorney, Jaye Schlachet, was visibly angry as he made his case for a low bond to Gall.
"I understand Marsy's Law and that the alleged victims have a right to come in and address the court," Schlachet said, "From my perspective, this exceeds even the constitutional amendment of Marsy's Law. That's not what it's designed for. He's (Bahner) not a threat to anyone."
Gall cut off Schlachet, telling him to keep his comments towards the issue of Bahner's bond.
"I think some of the comments you heard should not be regarded, most respectfully," Schlachet responded.
Bond for Bahner was set at $200,000. He was ordered to have no contact with children other than his own and to continue to wear a GPS monitor that he has had on from a previous indictment. No pretrial has been set yet.
According to the indictment, the date of the offenses involving Bahner range from 2018 through May 30, 2023. He was arrested on May 31 by Parma police and accused of illegally filming an 11-year-old girl inside his home.
Officials add Bahner previously ran an unlicensed day care out of his house, but that was eventually shut down by the city.
According to court records, Bahner is also facing charges from a previous indictment, which include four counts of rape, five counts of gross sexual imposition, one count of illegal use of minor in nudity-oriented material or performance and one count of possessing criminal tools. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in July and was given a $100,000 bond, which he posted. A pretrial for Bahner in that case is set for Feb. 5.
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