Babysitter arrested for allegedly sexually abusing two children in Portimão

A 19-year-old male babysitter has been arrested in Portimão on suspicion of sexually abusing two young children while living with their family, Portugal’s PJ police have announced.

The suspect is alleged to have committed 20 offences of child sexual abuse between May and June 24 while working as a full-time babysitter for the family.

According to the PJ, the man gained the trust of the children’s parents before moving into their family home, where he cared for the two victims, aged seven and eight.

Investigators say the abuse took place when the parents were away from the house and that the suspect used his mobile phone to record the assaults.

PJ inspectors also say the suspect encouraged the children to keep silent by giving them sweets and allowing them to play video games beyond the time limits set by their parents.

The investigation was launched following a complaint made by one of the children’s parents on Monday, June 29.

Investigators then gathered what they described as significant evidence before arresting the suspect in Portimão with the assistance of the local GNR.

The man is due to appear before a judge as the investigation continues under the auspices of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Portimão.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.