In a disturbing case that has shocked the Bushwick community in Brooklyn, 30-year-old Devonte Brown, a former teacher at a local childcare center, has been arrested and indicted on serious charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of young children. The allegations span nearly a year and a half, involving multiple victims who were entrusted to his care for education and safety.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of young students in daycare settings and raises urgent questions about oversight, reporting mechanisms, and the protection of children in such environments. Authorities, including the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD, have acted swiftly, but the case serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance in childcare.
The Allegations and Timeline of Abuse
According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Devonte Brown, a resident of Bedford-Stuyvesant, worked as a teacher at The Learning Factory, a childcare center located on Evergreen Avenue in Bushwick. The alleged abuse occurred between April 1, 2024, and August 22, 2025, over approximately 18 months. Prosecutors state that Brown repeatedly subjected four young girls—two aged 5, one aged 6, and one aged 9—to sexual abuse while they were under his supervision at the center.
The acts reportedly involved Brown touching the victims’ intimate body parts both over and under their clothing on multiple occasions inside the facility. In at least one instance, the abuse extended beyond the center’s walls: one child was allegedly assaulted during a trip to Brooklyn Bridge Park in July 2025. Brown is also accused of intimidating at least one victim by threatening that her favorite teacher would be fired if she disclosed the incidents to any adult, a tactic allegedly used to silence the child and prolong the abuse.
The victims eventually confided in their parents last summer, specifically in August and September 2025, prompting the families to contact law enforcement. This led to an investigation by the NYPD’s Brooklyn Child Abuse Squad, culminating in Brown’s arrest on Tuesday, February 11, 2026 (noting the timeline aligns with recent reports). He was arraigned the following day in Brooklyn Supreme Court before Justice Donald Leo.
The charges against Brown are extensive and severe, reflecting the repeated nature of the offenses and the young ages of the victims. They include:
- One count of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child
- Seven counts of first-degree sexual abuse
- Seven counts of second-degree sexual abuse
- Seven counts of forcible touching
- Four counts of endangering the welfare of a child
These charges stem from the alleged pattern of behavior, with first-degree sexual abuse carrying a maximum penalty of seven years in prison per count. Brown was ordered held on $150,000 cash bail, $300,000 insurance bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond, and is scheduled to return to court on March 27, 2026. Authorities have publicly stated they are seeking additional potential victims, indicating the investigation remains active.
Concerns Over Reporting and Center Oversight
One of the most troubling aspects of this case is the suggestion that red flags about Brown’s behavior may have been ignored prior to the formal complaints. Reports indicate that at least two individuals raised concerns with the center’s owners about Brown’s interactions with children, but these were reportedly dismissed or not acted upon adequately. Parents have expressed frustration, with some stating they paid for what they believed was a safe environment, only to learn their children may have been at risk.
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The Learning Factory, registered as a school-age program capable of serving up to 23 children, has since been temporarily closed, with signs on the door citing a Department of Health mandate. While details on the closure are limited, it underscores the immediate response from regulatory bodies once the allegations surfaced. Some parents have voiced suspicions that more children—potentially up to six, including some as young as three—could have been affected, though official charges currently involve four victims.
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This element of the story points to broader systemic issues in childcare facilities. When concerns are brushed off, it can allow predatory behavior to continue unchecked. Childcare providers are mandated reporters under New York law, required to report any reasonable suspicion of abuse. Failures in this duty can compound harm to children and erode public trust in such institutions. The fact that the abuse allegedly persisted for so long despite potential early warnings has fueled community outrage and calls for accountability not just from Brown, but from those responsible for oversight at the center.
Official Response and Broader Implications
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned the alleged conduct in strong terms, stating: “The conduct alleged in this case shocks the conscience. Innocent children were entrusted to a teacher’s care to safely learn and grow, but instead this defendant allegedly shattered that trust in the worst way. We can never tolerate the disturbing exploitation and abuse of children alleged in this case and will continue to aggressively prosecute this and any other case in which someone abuses their position of authority to harm a child.”
The DA’s office emphasized the betrayal inherent in abusing a position of trust, particularly with vulnerable young children who rely on adults for protection. The NYPD has echoed this by actively encouraging anyone with information or additional victims to come forward, signaling that the case may expand.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened awareness around child sexual abuse in institutional settings, including schools, daycares, and youth programs. It underscores the importance of robust background checks, ongoing training for staff on recognizing and reporting abuse, and empowering children and parents to speak up without fear of retaliation. Communities must prioritize creating environments where safety is non-negotiable, and where any deviation from appropriate conduct is swiftly addressed.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the young victims and their families through counseling, legal aid, and community resources. The courage of the children in coming forward, and of their parents in pursuing justice, cannot be overstated. Cases like this, while heartbreaking, often lead to positive changes—stricter regulations, better vetting processes, and increased vigilance—that help prevent future tragedies.
The arraignment and ongoing investigation serve as a stark reminder that child protection requires constant effort from all stakeholders: educators, parents, regulators, and law enforcement. In Bushwick and beyond, this case has prompted reflection on how society safeguards its most vulnerable members. Justice for the victims must be thorough, and lessons learned must translate into meaningful safeguards for all children in care.