A city woman was arrested Thursday for sexually abusing two young children while she was caring for them, according to the Cortland Police Department.
Kimberly M. Clark, 39, of 47 Pomeroy St. was arrested at 10 a.m. at the police station at 25 Court St. after an interview with officers, according to the department.
Clark masturbated in front of the children, touched the sexual organs of one child and provided both children with marjuana, said Lt. David Guerrera.
The abuse began on Feb. 24 and continued “until very recently,” Guerrera said. Police were alerted two weeks ago to the sexual assaults occurring at Clark’s home when a family member reported the acts to the Department of Social Services, he said.
Clark told police her actions were meant to teach the children about human sexuality, Guerrera said.
“She calls it ‘sex education,’” he said.
All children under Clark’s care are no longer under her supervision, Guerrera said.
Clark was charged with one count of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and two counts of second-degree criminal sale of marijuana, felonies. She was also charged with two counts each of forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child, misdemeanors.
At a virtual arraignment in city court, Clark was remanded to the Cortland County Correctional Facility on $10,000 or $20,000 bond. She was released from jail this morning.
Her next court date was not available this afternoon.
Child Protective Services notes some indications that a child is being sexually abused include: injury to the genital area, difficulty or pain when sitting or walking, expressing advanced sexual knowledge or sexual behavior and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.
To report suspected child abuse, contact CPS at 1-800-342-3720 or the Cortland Police Department at (607)-756-2811.
