Man Accused of Taping Molestation of Girl, 10

A 30-year-old Midway City man was charged Tuesday with 18 counts of lewd conduct for allegedly molesting a 10-year-old girl and recording the acts on a video camera.

Prosecutors, who are still viewing about eight home videotapes allegedly made by Daniel Raymond Dieatrick, said other charges may be filed in connection with the molestation of at least one more underage victim.

“There is still a potential for more victims,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Charles J. Middleton said. “There is a potential for at least one more child--if not more.”

Dieatrick, who did not enter a plea Tuesday, was being held in Orange County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.

He was arrested Sunday, two days after investigators interviewed the 10-year-old girl who allegedly told them the suspect had molested her repeatedly over a period of 18 months.

According to the complaint filed in court, 18 incidents took place between September, 1991, to February, 1993. If convicted on all counts, Dieatrick would face a maximum of 150 years in state prison, prosecutors said.

Middleton said he requested the unusually high bail because authorities fear Dieatrick would leave the county if released.

“He had already quit his job, and we have concerns that he might not stay in the jurisdiction,” the prosecutor said.

Middleton said the case came to light recently when one of Dieatrick’s neighbors reported to the Sheriff’s Department that Dieatrick frequently bought expensive gifts and toys for children in the neighborhood. The children would gather in his one-bedroom apartment to play Nintendo, neighbors and investigators said.

Investigators obtained a search warrant and seized several graphic pictures and videos of the alleged victim from Dieatrick’s home.

At his arraignment Tuesday, Dieatrick covered his face with a sheaf of paper as he waived his right to a speedy trial. He is scheduled to return to court April 30 to enter a plea.