A 9-year-old girl’s curiosity and internet search has landed her father in jail on charges of sexual abuse. The girl is a student at Elm Creek Elementary in San Antonio, Texas and was caught by a teacher looking up porn sites on a school iPad. When questioned by the teacher, she allegedly stated she was searching for “what her dad does to her” at night. She said her father sexually assaults her “all the time at night” and never lets her sleep.
The teacher immediately notified her superiors and Child Protective Services was contacted. An investigator was sent to the school to interview the young girl and her statements caused immediate concern. The girl told the CPS investigator that her father had sexually abused her from at least the age of 8 and that the abuse occurred at her home. Further investigation revealed that the girl’s father, identified as Anthony Garay, 31, had previously been investigated by CPS for sexual abuse of both of his daughters.
Garay was arrested by the Bexar County Sheriff’s office after CPS officials contacted police with the girl’s statements of sexual abuse. He has been charged with a first-degree felony for continuous sexual abuse of a child. He is being held on $75K bond in the Bexar County Jail.
Sexual abuse of children by family members is an all too frequent occurrence in the news that can often have tragic consequences. In December 2016, a 12-year-old girl in Georgia took her own life while live-streaming outside her family’s home. In a video taken prior to her suicide, the girl alleged she had been physically and sexually abused by her stepfather.
When dealing with children who may not be able to communicate instances of abuse, it’s important to know the warning signs. If sexual abuse signs are evident, notify law enforcement and seek professional counseling for the child.
