Prosecutors charged Pete Ampudia, 49, with two felony counts of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of felony sexual assault. He allegedly inappropriately touched two 5-year-old girls who attended the Little Engine That Could daycare center in Columbia Falls, Montana between April 2003 and April 2008.
Ampudia and his wife had operated the daycare out of their home since August 1996. His wife still operates the daycare center, although Ampudia is not permitted to be there when children might be present. The alleged daycare sex abuse occurred during or immediately after nap times, according to court records. Two of the girls disclosed the suspected abuse to their mothers, who notified the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
If convicted of all charges, Ampudia, who has no criminal history, faces a maximum penalty of 500 years in prison and a $200,000 fine. If you suspect your child has been abused, contact our firm for a free review of your case.