OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – Oshkosh police are releasing more information on the arrest of a YMCA employee suspected of sexually assaulting a child.
The 75-year-old man has been identified as B.T. Adams, who was arrested last week while working in the YMCA’s drop-off daycare center.
Adams was in Winnebago County court on Thursday, but had his initial appearance rescheduled since his attorney could not be present. He remains in custody and his bond was not set.
Oshkosh Police Chief Dean Smith explained in a press conference on Thursday the charges facing Adams.
“Mr. Adams was formally charged with one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree sexual assault – sexual contact with a child under thirteen and two counts of first-degree sexual assault – sexual assault with a child under thirteen,” he says.
Adams was arrested last week after the November 27th incident occurred while he was working in the YMCA’s drop-off daycare center.
The YMCA child case supervisor was concerned that Adams “inappropriately kissed” a 3-year-old girl, according to the criminal complaint.
Chief Smith mentioned during the conference that the department has received 17 reports on Adams from concerned parents, since his arrest.
Security video footage was reviewed upon further investigation.
“On two occasions, Mr. Adams is observed with his hand having sexual contact with the three-year-old,” explains Chief Smith.
The video from another date showed similar actions, and he also reached under her shirt. Adams also allegedly kissed the girl on the lips on those occasions.
He told police the girl was “coming at him” and initially denied kissing this or any child on the mouth.
The criminal complaint states that “Detective Petit reports that she asked him if he was attracted to kids and Adams stated that it was “not an over attraction.” Adams stated that if they found something he would be totally shocked because he has been able to control it.”
Chief Smith said in the conference that nothing from Adams past would have alerted YMCA management to the possibility of a future incident.
“There was no information in his background that was indicative of this type of behavior,” he says.
Each of the three counts carries a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison and are in connection with the same victim.
Adams was employed at the YMCA location, at 3303 W. 20th Ave., for several years and in various capacities.
“Mr. Adams had previously worked in the cafeteria and in 2013 specifically requested to be transferred to the drop-in center,” explains Chief Smith.
Adams is due back in court on Friday.
President and CEO of the Oshkosh Community YMCA, Tom Blaze, provided a statement regarding the investigation:
The safety and well-being of children in our care always has been and always will be very important to the Oshkosh Community YMCA. For more than 60 years, the Oshkosh Community YMCA has served our community with distinction and pride as an organization focused on youth development. We have been and will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities in their investigation into the facts surrounding this situation. Those with questions regarding this situation should contact the Oshkosh Police Department directly at 920-236-5700.
Parents are encouraged to contact the Oshkosh Police department if they believe Adams had inappropriate contact with their child.
