By Khalida Sarwari
Every parent’s worst nightmare came true in Campbell this week. A longtime nanny who has worked for numerous families for at least a decade is being accused of molesting the children entrusted to his care.
John Walker, 41, faces 14 charges–all lewd acts with children–filed by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.
Five days prior to that, on the night of March 8, police officers arrested him at his home in Campbell. He remains in custody at Santa Clara County Jail in San Jose.
Earlier that day, the police department received a call from the parent of one of the children he had looked after, said police Sgt. Gary Berg. “One of the victims disclosed to their parents about some inappropriate things that Mr. Walker was engaging in with the children, and that parent in turn contacted law enforcement,” Berg said.
With the assistance of the San Jose Police Department’s Child Exploits Team, as of March 14, Campbell investigators had identified a total of eight potential victims ranging in age from 9 to 15.
Police officials said Walker has worked in Campbell for about 10 years and was trusted by many families. Some of the children he cared for called him “Mr. Johnny.”
It’s likely that there are many more victims out there, Berg said.
“Victims of these kinds of crimes can be traumatized and fearful of coming forward,” he said. “We’re encouraging families to come forward and speak with us not only so that we can get them the help and resources they need, but also to successfully prosecute this case.”
Anyone with information or who may know any potential victims is asked to call police investigators at 408.871.5190.
Police arrest longtime nanny, accusing him of molesting children
