Nanny Nightmare: Student Accused of Sexually Abusing Boys

The suspect was studying to be a teacher

A Hunter college student who was studying to be a teacher and has volunteered at Dalton and some of the city's most elite prep schools was charged today with sexually abusing three young boys.  Authorities described the suspect as a prolific babysitter and nanny, and fear there may be more victims out there.

Jonathan Then, 21, was was arraigned in a Manhattan courtroom today on 20 counts, including charges of predatory sexual assault against a child. He entered a plea of not guilty and is being held without bail, police said.

For years, Then has been volunteering or working at schools, day care centers and camps, including the elite Dalton School and Trevor Day School on the Upper East Side, authorities said. He arrested Thursday at Hunter College, where he majored in Early Childhood Education.

Authorities worry that because of Then's proximity to kids, there might be more victims out there.

Then is accused of sexually abusing three boys -- two eight-year-olds and one ten-year-old -- he was babysitting. The abuse occurred on many occasions, beginning in January and continuing for months, police said.

He is described as a prolific babysitter, having worked for at least 20 families, prosecutors said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 212-335-4308.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us