26-year-old Joshua Dale Brown faces over 70 sexual offense charges related to eight children at a preschool in Point Cook, west of Melbourne, between 4/2022 and 1/2023.

All eight victims attended the same Melbourne suburban preschool. Police have not disclosed the children's genders. Reports indicate all alleged victims were under two years old, with the youngest being only five months old.

The preschool where Brown allegedly abused eight children.

Victoria Police's Sexual Offenses and Child Abuse Investigation Team began investigating in May 2025 after detectives discovered child abuse material. A subsequent search warrant executed at Brown's residence led to his arrest. Police then worked to identify the alleged victims.

Brown’s arrest triggered a broader investigation, revealing he had worked at 20 childcare centers across Australia between 1/2017 and his arrest in May 2025. These centers are part of prominent, publicly listed education companies whose stock prices have fallen due to the legal crisis.

Brown remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on 15/9.

An estimated 2,600 families whose children attended the centers during Brown's employment are receiving letters with important procedural guidance.

Police believe all alleged offenses occurred in Victoria and have no evidence suggesting other staff members were involved. However, the case has prompted widespread precautionary action from the Australian government.

Health authorities warn that several children may have been exposed to low-risk infectious diseases. "At this stage, we recommend approximately 1,200 children be tested for infectious diseases," stated Victoria's chief health officer.

Officials have not specified the infectious diseases but said they are treatable with antibiotics.

"I blame myself now… maybe I shouldn't have gone to work. What am I supposed to do now? I always thought it was the safest place for my child, but no, it wasn't," one parent expressed their outrage.

Offenses such as sexual penetration of a child under 12, intentionally sexually touching a child under 12, sexual assault of a child under 16, and producing child abuse material carry maximum penalties of 25 years in prison.

Hai Thu (CNN, People, AFR)