A 21-year-old man from Cleveland has been charged with indecently treating a four-year-old child at a Tingalpa childcare centre run by Affinity Education Group.
The incident allegedly occurred on July 10 at the centre, which is part of a chain of childcare facilities embroiled in controversy following the arrest of alleged pedophile Joshua Dale Brown earlier this year.
The Queensland Police Service confirmed the charge, stating that the 21-year-old man has been charged with one count of indecent treatment of a child.
Affinity Education Group, the owner of the Tingalpa centre, has stood down the Cleveland man and is cooperating fully with the police investigation.
In a statement, the company said it takes the matter “extremely seriously” and is providing support to affected families, including counselling services.
The police investigation is ongoing, with the Bayside Child Protection Investigation Unit handling the case.
The accused man has been given conditional bail and is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 4.
Notably, the 21-year-old man had a valid working with children check at the time of the alleged incident.
Affinity Education Group’s Response
Affinity Education Group has committed to supporting all families affected by the incident, saying it will do so “in any way we can”.
The company stressed that it reported the matter to the authorities immediately and stood down the individual in question.
As the investigation continues, communications with parents are being managed by Queensland Police.