Police: Elizabeth man hired from child care website sexually abused girl

ELIZABETH, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police have arrested a New Jersey man they say repeatedly sexually assaulted a child after he was hired as a caretaker.

Now, 31-year-old Jonathan Tavara-Nima, of Elizabeth, is charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, and three counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Authorities say the investigation revealed that Tavara-Nima was hired by the victim's family last year using the website Care.com and ultimately entrusted to care for the girl on a regular basis. Care.com is a marketplace that enables families to find caregivers and caregivers to find jobs.

The victim, who is under the age of 13, was reportedly found to have been sexually assaulted multiple times in locations including the Benedict Motel in Linden, a residence in Union Township, and in Tavara-Nima's vehicle.

Tavara-Nima also allegedly photographed her in sexual poses using his cell phone during the encounters.

Anyone with additional information about Tavara-Nima's activities or who may have hired him to care for a child is being urged to contact Special Victims Unit Detective Josh Rios at 908-965-3809 or Sgt. Patricia Gusmano at 908-965-3877.

Under New Jersey's Jessica Lunsford Act, a conviction on a charge of aggravated sexual assault against a child under 13 results in a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in state prison, with the full term to be served before the possibility of parole.