A Newark neighborhood is reeling after a 57-year-old man was arrested on accusations that he sexually abused a child enrolled at an in-home daycare operating out of his residence, according to authorities. Orlando Gonzalez-Jimenez is facing three felony counts of unlawful sexual contact in the first degree, one felony count of continuous sexual abuse of a child and one misdemeanor count of terroristic threatening. He is being held on $130,000 cash bail.
Timeline and allegations
New Castle County detectives say the alleged abuse unfolded between 2016 and 2019, when the victim was younger than five, according to the New Castle County Division of Police. The investigation began after officials were notified in August 2025.
Detectives allege Gonzalez-Jimenez used threats of physical violence to coerce the child into unlawful sexual activity. Investigators obtained a search warrant for his home on the unit block of Montvale Road, where the in-home daycare was operating.
Charges and local reporting
Local TV coverage of the case from 6abc notes that investigators believe there may be additional victims beyond the child named in the current charges. The station reports that Gonzalez-Jimenez was arrested on July 8 and remains in custody on the cash bail amount set by the court.
Investigators seeking tips
Detectives are asking anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been victimized, to contact Detective Armelys Taveras-Jerez at (302) 395-2784 or by email at [email protected], according to the county release. Police say Gonzalez-Jimenez was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post bail. The investigation remains active.
How in-home daycares are licensed in Delaware
Family and large family child care homes in Delaware must be licensed and inspected by the Office of Child Care Licensing, which requires background checks, staff training and periodic visits to monitor safety and compliance, according to My Child DE. Parents can look up a provider’s license status and find information on how to file complaints through the state’s online provider portal.
Legal process and next steps
The case will move through Delaware’s court system in the coming weeks. As in every criminal case, Gonzalez-Jimenez is presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Future court dates and formal filings will be scheduled by prosecutors as detectives continue to develop the case.
Reporting and resources
Officials urge anyone who suspects child abuse or potential violations by a childcare provider to speak up. Delaware operates a 24-hour Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line at 1-800-292-9582, and New Castle County residents can report childcare concerns at (302) 892-5800, according to the Delaware Attorney General’s office. People who make good-faith reports are protected under state law and can be connected with victim services and additional support.
