Day care provider's husband charged in sex assault of child

YARDLEY, Pa. (WPVI) -- The ex-husband of a Bucks County day care provider has been charged with molesting a child left in their care.

Fifty-four-year-old Harry Lawrence of Yardley is charged with aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and related charges.

The alleged assaults took place from 2000 to 2003 at the Little Joys Day Care, which was operated from Lawrence's home on the 200 block of Vernon Road in Morrisville, Falls Township.

The victim, who is now an adult, told police when she was 9 or 10 years of age, she was sexually molested by Lawrence, who then married to the day care provider.

The victim claims the assaults happened between six and 12 times.

She explained to police on days when she did not have school her parents sent her to Little Joys Day Care.

"Just watching the interview with the detectives with the subject he's definitely a predator," said Falls Township Police Lt. Henry Ward. "You can see he manipulated these victims like a classic pedophile would. He had open access to numerous, numerous kids."

Police say the day care was fashioned like a classroom area in the garage, as well as an addition within the home.

The victim says the assaults happened in the basement of the residence.

Police say the Little Joys Day Care originally opened in Bristol Township, then moved to Yardley in the late '90s, early 2000. The day care has since closed.

Investigators are looking into two other possible cases, and are concerned there may have been more children assaulted.

Anyone with information is asked to call Falls Township Police.

Lawrence remains jailed on $250,000 bail.