Sterling Man Charged For Sexually Assaulting Child at In-Home Daycare

Photo provided by Loudoun County’s Sheriff’s Office

A man is being charged with sexually assaulting a child at an in-home daycare in Sterling, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

Michael D. Kessell, 21, is being held in Florida on a fugitive of justice warrant for charges of two counts of aggravated sexual battery and taking indecent liberties with a juvenile.

On June 1st, the victim’s family reported to LCSO that they believed their child might have had inappropriate contact with a resident inside a home day care.

The day care was located at 1508 N. Amelia Street in Sterling was investigated by the LCSO and Loudoun Child Protective Services.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office worked with Loudoun Child Protective Services to investigate the operation of the unlicensed daycare. During the course of the investigation, Kessell was removed from the home through a safety plan from Loudoun Child Protective Services.

The investigation determined the suspect was not the primary caregiver but at times did oversee the children during the course of the day,” stated the LCSO release.

“After a thorough investigation, including interviews with other families whose children attend the daycare, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Detectives obtained warrants for Kessell’s arrest on September 28th.”

Kessell was arrested at a home in Marion County, Florida by the Marion County Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension on September 29th.

He remains held in Marion County, Florida pending extradition back to Virginia.

Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective J. Cichocki of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Sex Crimes Unit at 703-777-0475.