A man in his late 30s has been arrested for serious sexual abuse of 16 children in Ullensaker, Romerike. Thirteen of the victims are linked to two kindergartens he was previously employed at, while three others had a different connection to him.
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The case is among the worst child-abuse cases in recent years, police say. Abuse Between 2015 and 2018. Investigators say the assaults took place from 2015 to 2018.
The suspect was employed at kindergartens from 2003 until 2018 and had a valid police clearance certificate when applying for the job.
He confessed to the crimes, and told police they would find material that they could trace back to the crimes after his detention in May 2023. More than 342,000 Unwanted Files Found.
A search of the suspect’s external hard drive found more than 342,000 illegal media files, both downloaded by police and videos/photos he also made about the children. Parents Informed – Team Trained on Crisis
The parents of all 16 children have been notified, and police and a municipal crisis team is taking measures supporting them. Ståle Lien Hansen, mayor of Ullensaker, described the case as “everyone's worst nightmare” and assured us that all affected families will have access to extended crisis resources.
The man was reported as soon as 2018 after worries that he was being abused emerged. The case was closed since evidence was lacking; however, recently discovered this investigation has been reopened. Legal Support for Victims. Victim support lawyers have been appointed, and lawyer Tom-Daniel Karlstad on eight children's behalf, since then.
He explained that though some children do not remember the abuse, others remember fragments that now help to explain their experiences. Ongoing Investigation. Special child interviews at the Barnehuset (Children’s House) are conducted by police who are investigating whether there are more victims. No other children are involved so far, no evidence suggests.
The arrest, the suspect’s lawyer said, was welcomed as “a relief” for the man, who has fully cooperated with investigators. Community in Shock. Despite background checks and police clearance requirements for kindergarten staff, the case has deeply rattled the local community raising suspicion regarding safeguarding procedures. The authorities say their focus right now is the wellbeing of the children and families impacted.
Conclusion
The Ullensaker kindergarten abuse case highlights the great damage done to children due to abuse of trust in institutions. With the number of sexually abusive pieces in existence reaching more than 342,000 and the number of victims confirmed to at least 16: This event stands as a cruel reminder that strict supervision and constant vigilance, together with continued support for victims and their families: should be seriously sought indeed.
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