CALDWELL -- The Canyon County Sheriff's Office says a 23-year-old daycare employee has been charged with lewd conduct with a minor, and more victims are expected in this case.
Joshua Ritchie of Nampa is now in the Canyon County Jail. He was arraigned on the felony charge today. A judge set his bond at $2.5 million.
Detectives began investigating Ritchie after a 5-year-old boy said he was abused by his daycare provider and the family contacted police. Lt. Marv Dashiell says Ritchie made some sort of confession before he was arrested.
Ritchie worked at Cornerstone Childcare and Learning Center in Nampa and the Idaho Arts Charter School in Nampa, and was recently hired by the by Nampa School District for lunchroom work.
Investigators say Ritchie admitted to sexually touching 12 additional children between the ages of 5 and 12. Some of the victims were touched at the daycare, while others were family friends and family members.
The Canyon County Sheriff's Office has confiscated two media devices from Ritchie that contained child pornography. It is unknown if photos any of the victims were on the devices.
More charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
If convicted, the charge of lewd conduct with a minor has a maximum penalty of life in prison.
