Former daycare teacher accused of sexually assaulting 4-year-old girl sentenced to prison

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WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) – A former Westerville daycare worker accused of sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl was sentenced to two years in prison on Thursday.

David Cantrell, 31, was initially charged with two counts of gross sexual imposition, but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of endangering children. 

In April 2023, Cantrell was arrested by the Westerville Division of Police after they received a complaint from Nationwide Children’s Hospital about the former daycare worker, alleging he sexually assaulted a 4-year-old girl in the bathroom of Nest Schools, located at 840 Dempsey Road in Westerville.

Westerville police charged him with the third-degree felony which is defined as when a victim cannot consent due to being intoxicated, or the victim is less than 13 years old.

In 2021 and 2022, Franklin County Children Services received at least four complaints about Cantrell’s inappropriate behavior toward and touching of children. Some complaints alleged misconduct that occurred at his previous places of employment.

Cantrell was known to have been an employee at daycare facilities around the Columbus area, according the incident report, including the following:

• The Nest Schools (840 Dempsey Road in Westerville)
• La Petite Academy (4426 Valley Quail Blvd. in Westerville)
• KinderCare (861 Eastwind Drive in Westerville)
• Gahanna Children’s College (230 Agler Road in Gahanna)

Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler asked families who may be concerned about their children’s previous contact with Cantrell to contact them at 614-901-6881 or email steven.grubbs@westerville.org. Anonymous tips can be placed at 614-901-6866.