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Daycare van driver accused of child sexual assault
Daycare van driver accused of child sexual assault
RACINE (WITI) -- A Racine daycare van driver is facing criminal charges for allegedly inappropriately touching a 6-year-old girl when dropping her off at daycare. The situation came to light after the little girl told her mother.
According to a criminal complaint, 60-year-old Lance Stine would pick up the girl in a bus or van and drop her off at a child daycare center located on Rapids Drive in Racine.
The report indicates the child claims that Stine touched her vaginal area at least two times while sitting in the seat behind the bus driver -- and that he would reach back and "tickle her."
"I never thought that he would be like that, but you never know," said Don Gierl, Stine's neighbor.
Gierl has known the suspect for decades and says he never suspected Stine would be accused of something so disturbing.
When the daycare owner was made aware of the situation, Stine was immediately put on leave. The owner tells FOX6 News that when Stine eventually confessed the assault to authorities, he was fired.
The daycare owner sent a statement home to parents, making them aware of the situation, and ensuring that when the center did a thorough background check on Stine, no problems were found.
It's believed that this was the only child Stine touched. He admitted to giving the girl snacks, chips, and candy if she was good.
Stine also admitted that the girl sat on his lap on numerous occasions in the vehicle. The suspect also told authorities that at one point he helped the girl remove her snow pants. He later disclosed that he tickled the child's private parts.
Stine's neighbor says he plans to stay friends with the man, and give him the help and support he needs.