A Springville man who operates a free day-care camp for children out of his home is facing a charge of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony.
Arvid Oakley, 53, was arrested last week and booked into the Utah County Jail. He was released Wednesday after posting $5,000 bail and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.About six years ago, Oakley started a free day-care program called Superkids of America. Oakley, a former elementary teacher in the Uintah School District, provides day care in his home, takes participants in the program on daylong activities and overnight camping trips. He incorporated the organization with the state in 1995.
According to court affidavits filed by investigators from Utah County and Springville, Oakley is accused of using the program, toys and gifts to build relationships with young children. He is accused of fondling and photographing them, clothed and naked, after gaining their trust.
Springville police believe Oakley fondled a 5-year-old girl and 4-year-old girl who participated in Superkids. In April, officials at Primary Children's Medical Center notified investigators after the 5-year-old told therapists that Oakley touched her private parts and told her not to tell anyone.
Other participants in Superkids told investigators that Oakley examined young girls with their clothes off and bathed them at his home. While the girls were naked, he would allegedly examine them for pin worms and ticks in a camper or a room at his home called "the tick room."
In 1992, a Mapleton man filed a complaint with investigators after his 5-year-old daughter accused Oakley of grabbing her private parts at the Springville Community Swimming Pool. Before the girl and older sister left the pool, Oakley gave them a Superkids business card.
Investigators say they also have witnesses who say they saw Oakley photographing naked young girls in his basement.
According to court affidavits, Oakley said the examinations were part of training to become a paramedic. He also told investigators that the examinations for worms and ticks were done with parental permission. He denies abusing any children in his program and said he has always shows concern for the children's welfare.
If convicted, Oakley could face a minimum-mandatory sentence of five years to life in prison.