PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — Police confirm a Rocky River man is in custody on accusations of sexually assaulting a 2-year-old child at an in-home day care center in Parma Heights.
Conner Matthew Walker, 20, was arrested Friday following an investigation involving both the FBI and area officers. According to a news release, the alleged rape of the toddler occurred at what was said to be a licensed in-home day care on Big Creek Parkway, although records discovered by 3News indicate the owner of the house had a license of her own but not one for the exact location.
Court records show that the alleged incident took place on Sept. 28. The day care operator apparently allowed the victim to stay overnight on the same night Walker was staying at the residence.
During a briefing on Tuesday, Parma Heights Police Detective Eric Taylor said that Walker had been living part time at the residence where the day care was held during the day. Taylor added investigators believe that the day care operator had no knowledge about the alleged activity by Walker.
Walker faces one count of rape as well as three counts of gross sexual imposition. Those charges alone could land him in prison for the rest of his life, if convicted, although authorities say more charges could be pending.
"At this point, we've identified one victim," Taylor added. "We have reached out to all of families that we have been made aware attended the facility. If we find other victims, we will reach out to them and handle the prosecution for them."
Walker appeared in Parma Municipal Court Monday and is currently being held on a $500,000 bond. As of Tuesday, he remains in custody. The case now heads to a grand jury as Parma Heights police and the FBI both continue to look into the matter.
The FBI provided 3News with the following links containing resources and information about violent crimes against children:
You can watch Tuesday's briefing in the player below: