Avon day care worker charged with sexual assault of child

Police arrested the 29-year-old staff member after an administrator reported alleged inappropriate contact with a child at the center.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:52pm

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A 29-year-old day care worker in Avon, Connecticut has been arrested and charged with one count of risk of injury to a minor and one count of sexual assault in the fourth degree following an investigation into alleged inappropriate contact with a child at the BrightPath Avon Early Learning and Child Care Center. The staff member, Jan Carlos Berrios-Otero, is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.

Why it matters

This case highlights the critical importance of thorough background checks, ongoing staff training, and robust child protection policies at day care facilities to prevent any potential abuse or misconduct. Public trust in these essential community institutions must be maintained.

The details

According to police, an administrator at the BrightPath Avon Early Learning and Child Care Center reported Berrios-Otero's alleged inappropriate contact with a child at the center on the previous day. Following an investigation, Avon police took Berrios-Otero into custody at his residence in Middletown, with assistance from West Hartford and Middletown police.

  • On Tuesday, an administrator at the day care center reported the alleged inappropriate contact to Avon police.
  • On Wednesday, police arrested Berrios-Otero at his home in Middletown.

The players

Jan Carlos Berrios-Otero

A 29-year-old day care worker at the BrightPath Avon Early Learning and Child Care Center who was arrested and charged with one count of risk of injury to a minor and one count of sexual assault in the fourth degree.

BrightPath Avon Early Learning and Child Care Center

The day care center where the alleged incident occurred and where Berrios-Otero was employed.

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What’s next

Berrios-Otero is currently being held on a $250,000 bond, and police are continuing to work with the day care center administration to ensure all affected families are notified.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for rigorous employee screening, comprehensive training, and robust child protection policies at all day care facilities to safeguard the wellbeing of young children in their care. Public trust in these essential community institutions must be maintained through proactive measures and swift action when allegations of misconduct arise.