Probe of Child Molestations at Presidio Widens

The Army has admitted that 10 more children have come forward claiming that they were sexually abused at a day-care center at the Presidio, raising the number of potential victims to more than 70.

“The families of approximately 10 children have contacted Lettermen Army Hospital in the last couple of days,” Presidio public affairs officer Bob Mahoney said Wednesday.

“Arrangements have been made or are being made for them to be examined.”

Mahoney said more than 70 children “will have been interviewed by Army therapists as potential victims” as the investigation widens.

On Monday, when the investigation first came to light, the Army said about 60 children had been interviewed.

Gary Hambright, 33, a civilian who ran the Presidio day-care center, was indicted by a federal grand jury last December and charged with molestation. The charges were dropped when the judge hearing the case refused to permit a 3-year-old boy who claimed Hambright molested him to testify.

Hambright, dismissed from his job following the original charges, apparently remains a prime suspect.