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A Toronto babysitter accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old boy under his care is facing additional charges after three more children came forward to police.
The incident happened after the parents contacted the accused through babysitting website Care.com.
Harker was subsequently charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.
Police announced Wednesday that Harker is facing additional charges after three more children allegedly told police they were sexually assaulted while he babysat them.
Investigators say Harker sexually assaulted a boy between five and six years of age at his home on two separate occasions between June 2012 and December 2013.
Police say the accused then sexually assaulted an eight-year-old boy between September 2015 and December 2015 at the victim’s home in the area of Pape Avenue and Dundas Street East area.
The third incident occurred in October 2015 when police say an eight-year-old was also sexually assaulted on two occasions in the area of Pape Avenue and Danforth Avenue.
In addition to the two previous charges, Harker now faces five counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference, and one count each of invitations to sexual touching and indecent act.
VIDEO: Toronto Police explain nature of new charges against Daniel Harker
Harker was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning.
Aside from advertising his babysitting services online, police say the accused had been employed as a daycare worker at several locations across the city including being a lunchroom monitor at the Toronto District School Board and a recreation worker at the City of Toronto.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have had contact with Harker or have hired him for his services to come forward.
“Children are an excellent judge of character. Parents should be open to having conversation with the people they are spending time with,” Det. Remo D’Antonio told reporters.
However, police say those who don’t feel comfortable proceeding with criminal charges can also come forward to access services.
VIDEO: A well-known childcare worker in Toronto’s east end is facing serious charges after signing up on an online website to offer babysitting services. As Caryn Lieberman reports, the nature of the charges has families in the area in shock.
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