A babysitter was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of lewd acts with a child in connection with the alleged abuse of a 6-year-old Fontana girl.
Authorities began investigating the alleged abuse last month when it was reported that the child was involved in an inappropriate relationship, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were advised that the abuser was known to the victim and eventually identified the child’s babysitter Martina Zacarias as the suspect, the release stated.
Zacarias was taken into custody at her home Wednesday and booked on several counts of sexual abuse of a minor, according to the release.
The woman’s daughter told KTLA on Thursday that the 47-year-old grandmother was the victim of false allegations.
“This is something she wouldn’t have done,” said daughter Sandra Zacarias. “This is something very serious.”
According to her daughter, the mother of the alleged victim was retaliating against Zacarias for turning down a babysitting job.
Sandra Zacarias said her mother wanted to quit babysitting and travel full time with husband who works as a truck driver.
“Hopefully, there will be justice for this because … this isn’t something to play with, this is very serious,” Sandra Zacarias said.
Bail for Martina Zacarias was set at $1.7 million.
Detectives were concerned there may be additional victims. Anyone with information about Martina Zacarias was urged to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.