Babysitter’s husband arrested for touching children inappropriately
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IDAHO FALLS — A 46-year-old man was recently arrested after admitting to inappropriately touching a child nine years ago.
Thomas D. Roberts of Idaho Falls is being held in the Bonneville County Jail on a $45,000 bond.
Court records show that a now-14-year-old girl recently told her mother about the abuse she suffered while in the care of a babysitter in 2007.
The girl told investigators that while she was at the babysitter’s home on Sunset Drive in Idaho Falls, a man, later identified Roberts, would touch her underneath her clothing. The victim recounted a incident where she was asleep, and awoke to Roberts touching her inappropriately. The victim also said she had seen Roberts do this to other children.
After investigators spoke with the victim and her mother, they made contact with Roberts, who denied ever touching any kids inappropriately. Rather, he stated that he liked to tickle the children, according to court documents.
Roberts told investigators he had been accused of inappropriately touching the groins and chest of two child relatives in the past. Roberts went on to say that nothing came of the accusations.
He agreed to take part in a polygraph with Idaho Falls police. Court documents show that during the polygraph, Roberts admitted to touching her, under her clothes, in the groin area on several occasions. The polygraph was discontinued, and investigators questioned Roberts after first advising him of his rights.
Court documents show Roberts admitted to inappropriately touching the child, to his recollection, two or three times. Roberts said he does not recall what he was thinking or feeling at the time, but he remembers doing it.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled March 23.