New Jersey

Husband of Burlington County Home Day Care Operator Sexually Assaulted 2 Children: Police

A Burlington County, New Jersey man who is wheelchair bound following a train accident is in police custody, charged with sexually assaulting two children at an in-home day care operated by his now-deceased wife.

Dennis Alston, 54, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting two siblings -- both under the age of 12 -- while they were in his now-dead wife's care at her licensed home day care, Home Sweet Home, located at 25 Timber Lane in Willingboro.

An investigation into the alleged assaults was launched after the children's parent contacted police and told them the kids were forced to perform sex acts on Alston.

The suspect's sister, Valerie Johnson, maintains her brother's innocence.

"My brother is not a rapist," said Johnson. "The whole neighborhood loves him. You could ask the neighbors and they'll tell you about my brother."

Neighbors were shocked to hear the news of Alston's arrest -- all of them saying the same thing -- he is a nice guy.

Police say the sexual assaults occured multiple times from January 2013 to August 2013.

Alston is being held in Burlington County Jail. Bail is set at $300,000.

Investigators are urging anyone with knowledge of Alston's alleged inappropriate conduct to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit.

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