West Jordan day care employee charged with child sex abuse

WEST JORDAN — A day care worker in West Jordan was charged Monday with inappropriately touching a child.

Nathan Anderton, 46, of West Jordan, is charged in 3rd District Court with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.

A 4-year-old girl told police that in May 2023, Anderton kept touching and tickling her in inappropriate places, according to charging documents.

"(She) stated that she doesn't like it when Anderton tickles her, and she is scared of him picking her up when she doesn't want it," the charges state.

When questioned by police, Anderton said he is a "floater" at the day care center and "it is common for him to pick up the kids. Anderton stated that he would pick up (the girl) and give her hugs, and occasionally kisses on the forehead and cheek," according to the charges. "Anderton further stated that he wishes (the girl) was his own kid."

He allegedly admitted to tickling the girl after being pressed by police. Then Anderton claimed "some of the other children became jealous of his relationship" with the girl, the charges allege.

"(Anderton) told the victim and several of the children at the day care that he wished they were his own children," the charges say.

Charging documents do not list the name of the day care facility.

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