Hollister man pleads not guilty after allegedly committing lewd acts on a child at a preschool, D.A. says

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV)- On Tuesday, The San Benito County District Attorney's Office confirmed that a 44-year-old man pleaded not guilty after being accused of committing lewd acts on a child.

San Benito County District Attorney Joel Buckingham confirmed to KION that Justin Allen pleaded not guilty to a forcible rape charge.

Hollister Police arrested Allen on April 12 after receiving reports that he allegedly committed lewd acts on children at Miss Vicky's Preschool and Child Care in the Sunnyslope area.

Officers said that Allen did live at the location of the preschool but he was not an employee. Buckingham said that Allen lived at the home that the preschool was operated by his mother-in-law who is identified as 66-year-old Victoria Grimmett.

Grimmett was arrested on child abuse charges because officers said that she did not protect the children while they were under her care.

Buckingham said that Grimmett has since posted bail but the DA's office is still receiving reports and could add more charges against her. Her next court date is June 5th.

Buckingham said that the facility has been shut down. KION did check with the California Department of Social Services and we are waiting to hear back.

Allen is still in custody and will next appear in court on May 23.