Anonymous Emails From Suspected Child Predator Target Sacramento Daycare

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sacramento detectives are investigating photographs and emails sent by an alleged child predator to a Sacramento daycare provider in a case of possible extortion.

Daycare owner Jessica Hayes reached out to CBS13 saying in part, "I am currently being stalked by a child predator who is trying to get access to children."

She says it started out as an innocent inquiry into her services, but it quickly exploded into child pornography, extortion and even threats.

"It's terrifying too. I don't know if he's watching me or following me I have no idea," she said.

Hays is not only afraid for her family, but the children of her clients.

"I'm doing everything I possibly can to protect their children," she said.

The home daycare provider says she recently got a phone call from a woman pretending to be a mom.

"They told me they had me had a child they want care for, and I gave them my address but they never showed up," she said.

That woman never called back. Then she got an email from someone saying in part, "I'm looking for something to meet my needs. I love kids. I love to be around them."

Included in that email was a link to child pornography and promises of compensation if she cooperates.

"They were asking for access to children. They were saying we could work together under the table as long as I would provide access to the children," she said.

The email says, "Just think you and me in business no one else has to be involved. Most of the kids you have under age. I have a way making them not remember a thing."

"I told him I was filing a police report, which I did, and not contact me again," she said. "And then he threatened me."

The anonymous predator was not happy.

"I don't think this will be a good thing to do Jessica. Be smart, you do not want to be hurt," the next email said.

She has no idea who the person is, but the emailer appears to be watching her, with one email saying "I was at your house more than once. By the way you look good. Your husband a lucky man."

She's received numerous emails threatening to ruin her business with scathing reviews if she didn't give them access to the kids. She says the emailer is so persistent, they sent a letter in the mail without a return address with pictures of several men and claiming to be one of them.

"It had a hand written note on the photo saying see you soon," he said.

Haynes is concerned she's not the only daycare targeted.

"There could be many and all it takes is just one crooked provider and then he has access to children," she said.