Man used his mother’s day care facility to rape, molest children for two years: Cops

Authorities in Utah say a man was arrested this week, about 20 years after he allegedly used his mother’s day care to victimize younger children.

According to the New York Post, 35-year-old Theodore Joseph Heaps confessed to a series of sexual offenses that occurred from 1998 to 2000 — when he was between 15 and 17 years old.

An alleged victim came forward earlier this year, according to police reports, and claims she was 12 when Heaps raped her. A man claims he was even younger, about 6 or 7 years old, when the suspect molested him at the same day care center, as reported by the Salt Lake Tribune.

In addition to acknowledging various aspects of those allegations, investigators say Heaps also admitted that he repeatedly molested another male victim over a two-year period beginning when the boy was 6 years old.

As of the latest statement from detectives, no other victims were named or referenced. Authorities are asking for tips or reports from anyone else who believes he or she was abused by Heaps.

Prior to his arrest on Wednesday, he had been convicted for kidnapping and child abuse and neglect and was released from prison in 2009.

Court records show Heaps was still behind bars on Thursday with bail set at $500,000. He is expected to face one count of rape of a child and two counts of sodomy on a child.

Salt Lake City Police Detective Robert Ungricht did not indicate that the suspect’s mother was aware of the incidents involving children at her day care.

Those with information related to his case are asked to contact the Salt Lake City Police Department by calling 801-799-3000.

[Featured image: Theodore Joseph Heaps, Salt Lake County Jail]