OGDEN, Utah, Oct. 24, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A Weber County man has been charged with committing a first-degree felony against a child he babysat.
John D. Ball, 71, is charged with aggravated sex abuse of an 8-year-old girl in his neighborhood.
The alleged abuse was reported to the Division of Child and Family Services in September, and a forensic interview was conducted.
“The victim stated that her neighbor, John Ball, who helped babysit her, rubbed her (genitals) when she would sit on his lap,” the probable cause statement says. “The victim disclosed that John’s wife would tell him not to do that because he could go to jail for it.”
Ball was interviewed at the Weber County Sheriff’s Office, and read his Miranda Rights. He agreed to speak, the statement says.
John stated that his neighbor would bring over her children, so she could have a break and his wife and him would watch the children for her. John stated that when the children would come over, the 8-year-old victim would sit on his lap. … John stated that he wanted to make her feel good so he would do the things….”
Ball admitted digitally penetrating the victim.
“John stated he knew it was wrong but he liked to make her happy. John did not know how many times this happened, but stated it happened a majority of the time” the victim came over, the statement says.
Ball’s bail was set at $20,000. He has been released pending a mandatory court appearance.
Why would this man be babysitting a kid?