ELKO – A police investigation into a babysitter’s alleged sexual abuse on two preteen girls has spread to include allegations against the suspect’s wife – a former Girl Scouts volunteer – and at least two more underage victims.
The day after
Bradley Parker was booked into jail on suspicion of lewdness with a child, his wife, 42-year-old Barbara Parker, who had advertised babysitting services in the area, was arrested for the same offense on a quarter-million-dollar bail.
Police Detective Dennis Price said four victims have been identified between the ages of 6 and 10, two of whom were involved with Girl Scouts.
After Bradley Parker, 49, babysat a 7-year-old and a 10-year-old girl, the children told their father Parker had touched their genitals, according to police. He was called to the police station on Wednesday and immediately arrested.
Based on comments the children made, detectives also believed the suspect took photographs of the youths.
Price said police served a search warrant on the couple’s South Seventh Street apartment and seized computers, cellphones and other digital devices. At that time, Barbara Parker denied wrongdoing or knowledge of the allegations.
“Then we started viewing photos and learned that she’s as involved as he is,” Price said.
The detective did not disclose explicit details about the photos but said Barbara Parker could be identified in at least one that also depicted naked children.
Barbara Parker was arrested Thursday on suspicion of taking part in the alleged molestation.
Police sent electronic devices to the FBI for evidence retrieval.
On Friday morning, pieces of evidence tape sealed the couple's apartment door and covered the door knob. Panels had covered the windows from inside.
Price said police did not cover the windows.
“That’s something they had up,” he said.
Inside, police found a filthy, cluttered mess, according to Price.
“One of those places you hated going in and touching anything,” he said.
Police will continue to investigate whether there are additional victims.
“We don’t know how many clients she had at this time,” Price said. “We want any parents who have any concerns at all to contact (us).”
Parents whose children interacted with either Bradley or Barbara Parker are urged to call police at 777-7310 or Detective Mike Marshowsky directly at 777-7332.
The Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada released a statement committing to the safety of its members.
