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Police are asking the public for help identifying potential additional victims after the arrest of a Brooklyn daycare teacher accused of sexually abusing multiple children, New York City’s ABC News 7 reported today.
Authorities say 30-year-old Devante Brown, a teacher at a Bushwick childcare center, was taken into custody Tuesday morning by the Brooklyn Child Abuse Squad. Prosecutors allege Brown repeatedly sexually abused four young girls from April 2024 through August 2025.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez described the allegations as deeply disturbing.
“The conduct alleged in this case shocks the conscience. Innocent children were entrusted to a teacher’s care to safely learn and grow, but instead this defendant allegedly shattered that trust in the worst way,” Gonzalez said. “We can never tolerate the disturbing exploitation and abuse of children alleged in this case and will continue to aggressively prosecute this and any other case in which someone abuses their position of authority to harm a child.”
Brown has been charged with second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, seven counts of first-degree sexual abuse, seven counts of second-degree sexual abuse, seven counts of forcible touching, seven counts of forcible touching, and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Investigators say Brown allegedly intimidated at least one child into silence by threatening that her favorite teacher would be fired if she told an adult. Police further allege that in July 2025, Brown sexually assaulted one of the children at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The accusations came to light after children disclosed the alleged abuse to their parents. One of the victims’ mothers said she acted on early warning signs.
“I trusted my gut, and as soon as I felt that, I pulled her immediately,” the parent said. “There were signs prior to, so I was in communication with them. Trust your gut and your intuition as a mother.”
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene confirmed that the childcare programs connected to the investigation were closed in 2025 and remain shut down.
“All New York City parents deserve to know their children are safe when they send their kids to day care,” the agency said in a statement. “The allegations here are disturbing and will not be tolerated.”
Brown was ordered held on $150,000 cash bail, $300,000 insurance bond, or a $500,000 partially secured bond.
Police believe there may be additional victims and urge anyone with information to come forward.
The NYPD asks potential victims or witnesses to contact the Sex Crimes Hotline at 1-212-267-RAPE (7273), the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or submit tips online via the NYPD Crime Stoppers website.
Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings
When abuse occurs in a daycare, school, religious program, or other organization, survivors may have legal options beyond the criminal case.
