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Bridgewater State Day Care Director Arrested

The director of the Bridgewater State University day care center where a college student is accused of sexually abusing two young boys is now facing charges related to allegations she failed to report the suspected abuse in a timely manner.

Judith Ritacco was arrested Wednesday afternoon by the university's police department on charges of reckless child endangerment, witness intimidation, failure to file proper paperwork and misleading investigators, according to a statement released by the school.

Earlier court documents indicated that Ritacco knew of possible abuse but told a teacher to keep the information confidential and to “not contact any outside agencies.”

As director, Ritacco is required to report potential child abuse to authorities. The center has been closed since she was placed on leave last week.

Wrentham resident Kyle Patrick Loughlin, 21, pleaded not guilty last week to charges of raping a child and aggravated indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Prosecutors say the two victims are between 4 and 5 years old.

The university announced Tuesday that it was taking new safety measures, including installing additional surveillance cameras and retraining staff, before it plans to reopen the center on Monday.

The university also said that for the remainder of the spring semester it will not use student employees at the day care center.

With reporting by the WBUR Newsroom and The Associated Press

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