Takoma Park nanny arrested on multiple child sex abuse charges
TAKOMA PARK, Md. (WJLA) - A live-in nanny was arrested on multiple charges of child sex abuse, according to authorities.
Police said 46-year-old Jerry Parnecio was arrested Tuesday and is accused of sexually abusing two children--- one in his care, the other, a neighbor.
Parnecio, authorities said, lived with the victim during the time of the abuse.
"How do you know something like that?" asked Michael McFarland, a neighbor. "Something as awful as that could happen?"
Even Parnecio's Bethesda housemate, Genie Alcandera, was shocked at the accusation.
"He's a good guy," Alcandera said. "Are you surprised he would be doing something like this?" he was asked. "Yes of course, sir," Alcandera answered.
"Even in some very extremely good communities, you can still find some evil guy," said Barry He, who lives next door to Parnecio's former address in Takoma Park.
Court records show the alleged abuse occurred there, between 2002 and 2010.
There are eleven criminal counts listed against Parnecio. But it's unclear how many times the children were victimized.
No one answered the door at Parnecio's current Bethesda address.
But his housemate, Alcandera said the 46-year-old is a popular figure, with many friends.
"He helps me to find work," he explained. "But for me he can't do that..." "To kids? Yeah, little kids."
Detectives won't reveal if the victims are boys or girls, but only said that they are both 15-years-old or younger.
"Sometimes people, you cannot really tell if someone is safe or kind from their appearance," He said.
Parnecio is now in jail and being held on $175,000 bond.
Investigators said if you know him, or if he worked for you, especially in the Potomac or Bethesda areas, they would like to hear from you.
For many this is a cautionary tale for any parent.
"You have to do what you can to make sure you're leaving your children in the right hands, because that's unspeakable," McFarland said.
