Minneapolis Day Care Worker Charged With Possessing Child Pornography After 1,200 Images Found (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

A day care worker in Minneapolis has been charged with possessing child pornography after investigators found 1,200 images depicting child sexual abuse on his devices. Eric Allen, 39, was employed at Mount Carmel Child Care Center, which is affiliated with Mount Carmel Lutheran Church. The church confirmed that Allen was terminated following notification of his arrest but provided no further details.

Court documents reveal that Allen admitted to having images of girls from the daycare on his phone and provided names to investigators. The investigation began in April 2023 with a tip about a cellphone containing child sexual abuse material. A month later, the Minneapolis Police Department informed the state that it lacked the capacity to investigate such crimes due to staffing issues.

In March 2024, a state investigation led to a search warrant for Allen’s cellphone, where abuse videos were discovered. These images showed female minors engaged in sexual activities with each other and an adult man. Allen admitted his phone and computer were linked to child sexual abuse material. Investigators found 1,200 photos and videos on his phone, which is still being processed for evidence.

State crime agents are currently working to identify the victims and notify their parents. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension stated that the child care center is cooperating with the investigation and additional charges may be added. Allen was initially released after his arrest but was later re-arrested due to the severity of the offense. His first appearance in court is scheduled for Thursday.

The case highlights the importance of accountability and the need for robust safeguards to protect minors in care. As the investigation continues, the community remains focused on ensuring justice and providing support to those affected.

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