Arlington day care closed, investigated after operator's son allegedly admits to sex abuse

ARLINGTON, Wash. -- The state has shut down an Arlington day care after the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office said the operator's son told authorities he molested children there.

Sheriff's detectives have launched an investigation and a search for possible victims.

Diana Och, the owner of the day care, has been in business since 1996 with apparently no problems until now.

"The adult son of the day care owner confessed to having molested children within the day care," Shari Ireton, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, said Tuesday. "Detectives have talked to several families and, at this point, have identified no victims."

While the police investigation continues, there is a separate one under way by the state's Child Protective Services, which closed the day care on Aug. 20, at about the time the alleged admission was made.

Because the kids are young, detectives are conducting the interviews through child advocates. Ireton said the process could last several more weeks.

"Our goal is to make sure if there were any victims, that we’re able to identify them, and that we’re able to process evidence, and prosecute any perpetrator criminally but it could take a while."