Security guard at Dayton recreation center accused of sex crimes involving children
Dayton OH April 13 2019 A security guard who worked at the Northwest Rec Center in Dayton is in jail and accused of sexually abusing children.
Laquita Lynn Ross, 41, made her first court appearance Thursday afternoon.
She is facing two counts of Rape and four counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact with a minor.
Ross was employed as security guard by Moonlight Security and was assigned to Princeton Park.
The incident report filed with Dayton Police showed seven children ranging from the ages of 12 to 15 have accused Ross.
It’s unclear exactly where on the rec center’s property the alleged incidents happened. The report showed they told police it happened on March 19th.
“My kids have played there, we’ve used the park, we’ve used the center, the swimming pool,” said Linda Hunter.
Hunter has lived across from the rec center for 40 years.
“You just think yeah you’re safe and that your kids are going to be safe if they’re over there doing whatever activities because they have a lot of stuff. I just couldn’t believe it,” she said.
A city official told ABC22/FOX45 reporter Molly Reed Ross worked at the center as a security guard but was contracted through an outside company called Moonlight Security. The company didn’t return calls or emails for comment.
“There should be some safe guards in place already if you’re dealing with children within a certain age,” said Frank Watkins.
Watkins, another neighbor and rec center visitor, wanted to know how a security guard could end up alone with kids.
“A security from my understanding would not be a person that would be directly taking kids any place unless there’s an emergency situation,” he said.
A look into Ross’ background revealed a list of convictions over the last 19 years including passing bad checks, forgery and assault.
Neighbors all said no matter who the direct employer was, the city should be doing background checks.
“Investigate the employees that you hire, do background checks, talk to people,” said Hunter.
Dayton Police believe that there may be more victims involved in this case.
Anyone with additional information about this case should contact Detective Elizabeth Alley at (937) 333-7619.
ABC22
