Police: Norwood day care worker arrested for child pornography; 12-year-old victim attended facility

By: News 12 Staff

Police say a Norwood day care worker was arrested on child pornography charges and that one child at the facility was a victim.

The NYPD says Silfredo Castillo Martinez worked at Lina's Garden Day Care for more than 10 years before he was arrested earlier this month.

Valles says her two sons, ages 5 and 9, attended the day care at 3525 Decatur Ave. for years and never had any complaints.

"It was great, I had no problem with them. And I asked them, and they said nothing happened with them,” Valles says.

However, police say Castillo Martinez was arrested for possessing multiple images depicting child pornography. Authorities say one of the victims was a 12-year-old who attended the day care.

Martinez was charged with promoting and possessing a sexual performance by a child. The day care has since been closed.

Jessica Biel, a parent whose children went to the day care, says she found out about the arrest through a text message earlier this month.

“We did have a reunion with the parents, and we were able to get more information from the owner,” Biel says.

Both Biel and Valles say their children were interviewed by the Administration for Children's Services and they don't believe they were involved.

Police are investigating and asking anyone with information on Martinez to come forward.

They are also asking parents who believe their child may have been a victim or may have information to call the Crime Stoppers tip Line at 1-800-577-TIPS.

News 12 reached out to Lina's Garden Day Care for more information but has not heard back