Husband of child care center operator charged with child molestation

AUBURN - The husband of a Barrow County day care center operator is in jail, charged with molesting some of the children in his wife's care.

Barrow County Sheriff's Capt. Matt Guthas said Richard Paltrineri, 64, was arrested Friday, March 20, after a child told its parents about an incident that had occurred at a home day care facility at 1442 Elliot's Lane in Auburn. Guthas said the parents were alarmed enough to call authorities, and authorities went to the facility the morning of March 20 to investigate.

"Based off all the information we were able to obtain, we initially determined that...there were multiple victims that were currently under the care of the facility," said Guthas.

He said all known victims are between the ages of 2 and 5 and include both boys and girls.

Guthas said there may be other victims who no longer attend the facility.

"From what we've established so far, it's [the criminal activity] been within the past one to two years- the incidents that we have validated," said Guthas. "However, we suspect there may have been more incidents out there. Therefore, we're going to exercise due-diligence and go back and research former clients."

Paltrineri is currently charged with multiple counts of child molestation, sexual battery and cruelty to children, according to Guthas. He also has been charged with one count of aggravated sodomy and one count of aggravated child molestation.

The day care center is licensed by the state as SusanSilly Expressions Pre-School Program; the facility has been closed while the investigation is underway.

Guthas said it is unknown right now if the operator Susan Paltrineri was involved in the alleged illicit activity or if she knew what her husband allegedly was doing.

Guthas said anyone who has information that might help in the investigation may contact the Barrow County Sheriff's Office via email at [email protected] or by phone at 770-307-3080, extension 3085.