Former Dover daycare center owner, arrested on sexual abuse charges

A Dover man, and former day care owner, is now facing sexual offenses, after two attendees have come forward saying they were sexually assaulted during their time at the center.

Delaware State Police say back in January two women reported to Police saying that they had been sexually abused while they attended Village Kids Daycare Center, on John Clark Road, back in the late 1990s. The two women, who are both now 22-years-old, talked with Police after confiding in each other about their similar experiences at the establishment that was owned, operated, and licensed by 67-year-old William Semonavick Jr., from 1995 until 2008. The daycare center has since closed down.

One victim reported that she was four when she attended Village Kids from January 1996 until March 1997, and that she was sexually abused by Semonavick at least three times. The other victim was reportedly six when she attended from November 1998 through December 2000, and had similar experiences.

On Friday, Semonavick turned himself into Troop 3, where he was charged with three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse 1st, two counts of unlawful sexual contact 2nd, and continuous sexual abuse of a child. He was later released on $13,000 bond.

Police are now asking anyone who thinks or feels that they were a victim of Semonavick’s, to contact Detective P. Surowiec at 302-741-2814 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Tips can also be submitted to the DSP Mobile Crime App, texting DSP to CRIMES (274637), or by visiting the Tip Submit website.