More charges filed against Brownsburg daycare employee who reportedly sexually exploited children

BROWNSBURG, Ind. — Additional charges have been filed against an Avon man who reportedly sexually exploited children while employed at a Brownsburg daycare.

Gabriel Garner appeared via video in Hendricks County court on Monday for his initial hearing. He has been charged with the following counts:

• One count of child molesting, a Level 1 felony
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• 30 counts of child exploitation, each a Level 4 felony
• 13 counts of child molesting, each a Level 4 felony
• One count of vicarious sexual gratification, a Level 4 felony
• One count of possession of child pornography, a Level 5 felony
• Two misdemeanor counts of public voyeurism

Five new charges were added on Monday, including three child molesting counts and the two misdemeanor counts of public voyuerism, according to the court documents.

According to previous reports, Garner was found with more than 130 sexually explicit images on his phone, reportedly featuring Garner committing sexual acts with children at Main Street University 4 Kidz, the daycare where he worked.

Officials said the photos involved kids at the daycare who were between the ages of 3 and 5. According to previous reports, allegations then surfaced that several employees at the daycare failed to report Garner’s actions to the Indiana Department of Child Services. This led to the arrests of Nancy Minton and Jennyfer Lingbeck.

Catherine Michael, an attorney, said that eight victims have reportedly been identified in this case. There could be more victims, as the investigation continues.

“I think every week they feel both a type of devastation and the understanding that justice is coming,” Michael said. “But it is that devastation that as they learn more that any parent can imagine, it is absolutely heartbreaking for them.

“I think we are going to see more victims over time, because right now they really are trying to make it through so many photographs, and also looking if there were victims outside of those they have pictures of,” Michael continued. “I think it’s a combination of we need to charge (Garner) with everything we can that is appropriate because what he did is so heinous and unbelievable, and I also think the second part of that is helping him understand the real consequences of his actions here.”

According to court documents, Garner’s pre-trial conference is scheduled for June 30 and his trial is scheduled to begin on July 28. Officials said as the investigation continues, more charges could be filed.