Jace Wong, 29, a former day care employee, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after a harrowing series of incidents where he exploited children as young as 3, according to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California.
Wong was found guilty of producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography while employed at day care centers in California. At Mission Neighborhood Centers day care in San Francisco, Wong captured illicit images of children and shared them in online chats. Similarly, while at Cape Inc. day care in Livermore, he molested minors, recording these acts.
Wong’s crimes came to light after he sent explicit content of a child to an undercover officer. Although Wong’s defense attorney cited Triple X syndrome and testosterone treatments from a gender transition as factors influencing his behavior, prosecutors emphasized that Wong’s decision to work in daycares was intentional and that he was well aware of his wrongdoings.
Several devastated parents of Wong’s victims testified in court. One grief-stricken parent remarked, “I miss the smiles of my girls…feels like (the) entire family is experiencing a lifelong disease.”
Such incidents underscore the need for stringent employee vetting in industries dealing with vulnerable individuals. The day care worker sentenced for this crime should have been subjected to a thorough background check or mental health evaluation before being hired.
Furthermore, employers in these industries must also provide regular training on how to identify and report suspicious behavior. This will ensure the safety of vulnerable people and protect those who have been entrusted with their care.
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