Female teacher person of interest in daycare abuse

TULSA - Tulsa Police say a 19-month old girl was sexually abused at the John Knox Child Development Center.

Last Thursday, police say the toddler sustained injuries consistent with a sexual assault while at the daycare. Police have identified a female teacher as person of interest.

Investigators say it's highly unusual for a woman to commit a crime like this. But she was only person with access the toddler when the injuries occurred.

Officer Jason Willingham tells 2NEWS, "The child sustained an injury. So we know something happened. We are just not exactly sure what. So that is where we are right now, is trying to go back and put the pieces of the puzzle together, find out exactly what occurred and how it occurred."

John Knox is widely regarded as one of the best daycare centers in Tulsa. It's affiliated with the John Knox Presbyterian Church. Parents normally have put their names on a waiting list to get a spot for their child at the center.

In a letter to parents, Pastor Jeffery London confirms that a teacher has been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

While school officials do not want to talk with the media, the letter to parents says, "At this early state of the investigation, full disclosure means full cooperation with the agencies and authorities investigating. Therefore, it would be premature to say anything further without tainting the ongoing investigation."

Police expect to make arrest in the case by the end of the week.