MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. — Joseph Hefner, who also goes by the name Joseph Jones, pleaded not guilty Thursday to all three charges he faces, including child molestation, rape of a child, and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
Hefner is accused of abusing two sisters when they were 9 and 12 years old. According to investigators, Hefner became friends with the family when they would drop off their youngest daughter, who is 5 years old, at the day care.
Court documents state the alleged crimes Hefner is charged with did not happen on day care premises.
Hefner appeared for the first time before a judge Thursday and his defense attorney requested he be released on home electronic monitoring. Hefner’s mother wrote a letter that his attorney read in court supporting her son and asking for his release.
The victim’s father also addressed the court, asking he not be let out.
“I feel his release would be a danger not only to other kids but would be a danger to my own kids,” said the girls’ father.
“There was a huge sense of relief when they found out he was arrested and they still have trouble sleeping. I think that would make it even worse if they found out he was out on bail,” their father told the judge.
Court documents revealed Hefner was previously convicted of child molestation as a juvenile and required to register as a sex offender from 2013 to 2021.
In a statement, the owner of the daycare where Hefner worked said his criminal history never showed up on a background check.
In court, prosecutors also questioned how he was able to get the job in the first place and said they worry for the community’s safety if released.
A judge agreed, and Hefner remains in custody on $500,000 bail.
His next court hearing is scheduled for June 25.