Seattle babysitter accused of child sex abuse arrested
Oct 20, 2022, 4:44 PM | Updated: 6:26 pm
SPD report 8-year-old boy found safe. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Update: (4:55 p.m.)
Antonio Diego Brugnoli-Baskin has been charged federally with production and possession of child pornography following an investigation by the Seattle Police Internet Crimes against Children Task Force. Brugnoli-Baskin remains detained pending additional hearings.
Original:
Detectives are asking the public to come forward in the investigation of a Seattle babysitter charged with child sex abuse.
Prosecutors said 23-year-old Antonio Brugnoli-Baskin listed himself as a professional babysitter on care.com and used his job to sexually exploit children, with prosecutors initially believing the offenses they are charging Baskin with date back to February 2021.
Brugnoli-Baskin was arrested last week and faces felony charges for allegedly using online babysitting services to sexually abuse children.
Now, investigators think Brugnoli-Baskin may have abused more children than previously known.
Care.com issues statement on babysitter accused of child sex crimes
“There is a very real possibility that there are additional victims out there that we just have not been able to identify yet,” said Detective Patrick Michaud with the Seattle Police Department.
Authorities said he advertised as a childcare provider for families in Magnolia and Wallingford.
Between 2018 and 2020, Brugnoli-Baskin worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at public pools in Magnolia and Queen Anne, and taught skiing at Snoqualmie Pass, SPD said. Officials want to hear from anyone whose children may have come in contact with him during this time.
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Casey McNerthney with the King County Prosecutor’s Office said Google tipped off investigators in February 2021 when a user uploaded 95 files containing child pornography.
“We are deeply disturbed by this incident and our thoughts are with any impacted family. We take the safety of our community very seriously and every caregiver who uses our platform is required to complete a background check in order to engage on our site,” Care.com said in a prepared statement responding to the incident. “In this particular instance, this individual underwent both our CareCheck and a Criminal Records Check. We stand ready to assist with law enforcement.”
Anyone with information can contact Detective Christine Nichols, who investigates internet crimes against children.
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