Former baby sitter admits sexually assaulting girl in motel

<p>The former baby sitter of a 6-year-old girl admitted he sexually assaulted her at a motel after telling the child's mother he was taking her to a movie.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 29, 2017, 9:26 PM

Updated 2,583 days ago

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The former baby sitter of a 6-year-old girl admitted he sexually assaulted her at a motel after telling the child's mother he was taking her to a movie.
Jonathan Tavara-Nima pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault Tuesday. The 31-year-old Elizabeth man faces a minimum of 25 years in prison, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities say the victim's family had hired Tavara-Nima through the website Care.com. But he continued to show up at the girl's home after his employment ended, sometimes uninvited. Officials said that he would often take the girl to the movies or to a local park.
Authorities say Tavara-Nima told the girl's mother in May that he was taking her to a movie. But he instead bought her a new dress and stockings and ordered a takeout meal. Tavara-Nima then took the girl to the Benedict Motel in Linden, where the assault occurred, according to officials.
Tavara-Nima is expected to be sentenced Jan. 26
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.