Police: Man charged for sexual abuse of toddler, assault

A Salisbury man has been arrested after police say he sexually abused a toddler and assaulted the child’s mother.

The woman reported the alleged assault by Aristeo Hernandez, 52, on Wednesday, June 1.

Authorities would not reveal further details beyond describing it as a “physical and simple” assault, but they tell 47ABC the victim showed no signs of aggregated injuries; therefore, treatment was not needed.

The victim reportedly told troopers in a later interview that she caught Hernandez molesting her two-year-old child on separate occasions in late May. According to court documents, the mother had confided in her priest about the alleged sexual abuse before contacting police.

Hernandez faces charges including second degree assault, third degree sexual offense, and the sexual abuse of the minor.

Police tell 47ABC the sexual abuse case has been handed over to the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center.

The suspect has been committed to the Wicomico County Detention Center on a 525,000 dollar bond. Lieutenant Michael Jamison tells 47ABC, Hernandez remains held of 12 p.m. Monday.

To protect the victims’ identities, 47ABC will not be revealing the relationships between the suspect and alleged victims.