MATHER, CA, (September 12, 2025) - The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations of child sexual abuse at a daycare facility in Mather after the August arrest of a 26-year-old man.
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating allegations of child sexual abuse linked to daycare worker Gokhan Bagci.
Authorities said Gokhan Bagci faces four counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 by force or fear. The charges stem from incidents tied to the Mather Childcare Center on Graeton Circle.
The investigation began July 28 when a woman reported concerns that her 6-year-old daughter had been sexually abused while attending the daycare, which primarily serves families from the Turkish immigrant community.
Sheriff’s detectives partnered with the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division to examine the allegations. Specialized forensic interviews were conducted in Turkish for the child. Investigators said the information obtained suggested there may be additional victims among current and former daycare attendees.
Bagci, a Turkish national, was arrested Aug. 22 by the Sheriff’s Child Abuse Bureau. Officials said he had previously been removed from the U.S. by Customs and Border Protection in November 2023 and again in September 2024.
Due to his immigration history and flight risk concerns, authorities have requested he be held without bail. Detectives continue to investigate and believe there may be more victims linked to the suspect and the facility.
CRIMINAL ACTIONS
Religious leaders occupy roles of deep authority, frequently providing guidance during critical life transitions and spiritual crises. These positions demand adherence to rigorous moral standards designed to safeguard vulnerable individuals and maintain community trust.
Sexual misconduct by clergy represents a severe breach of these sacred responsibilities, creating profound and lasting harm to victims and faith communities alike.
Sexual abuse refers to any form of inappropriate sexual conduct between a religious leader and those seeking their guidance or support. Because clergy wield significant authority, any exploitation of that power is a betrayal of trust and, in many cases, a violation of the law.
"Many survivors say they stayed silent because they thought no one would believe them," said Rebecca Setlow of Fidelity Legal. "Perpetrators often rely on silence and shame to keep their victims quiet — breaking that silence can lead to uncovering many other victims."
When abuse occurs, victims often struggle with confusion, guilt, shame, or anger. Many suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, or intimacy struggles as they process the trauma. Their ability to trust others—including future religious leaders—may be shattered, sometimes leading to long-term emotional harm, sexual dysfunction, or an increased risk of suicide. The psychological toll can be severe, requiring compassionate support and validation.
REPEAT OFFENDERS
Sexual abuse within educational or childcare settings often goes underreported despite its devastating impact. Victims may hesitate to speak out due to fear of backlash, concerns they won’t be believed, or because they don’t fully process the abuse until later. The inherent power imbalance between an authority figure and a child further complicates disclosure, preventing many survivors from coming forward.
“Patterns of abuse are rarely isolated — one disclosed victim often indicates others may still be suffering in silence,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “When survivors step forward, they can be the first to reveal wider abuse, as predators rarely stop at a single victim.”
Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially in sensitive cases involving sexual abuse. “Experienced attorneys often uncover evidence showing the abuse was not a one-time occurrence, but part of a broader pattern or systemic failure,” Bond explained. Victims should understand they are never at fault and may have options, including pursuing a civil lawsuit or reporting the abuse to authorities.
Bond added, “Survivors often have the ability to protect their privacy while still holding abusers and institutions accountable. While no legal action can erase the trauma, it can provide justice and financial compensation to help survivors rebuild their lives.”
If you or a loved one has been involved in an incident similar to the one described in this article, national legal analyst Rebecca Setlow is available for a free consultation. Please use the contact information on this page to get in touch.
(Rebecca Setlow, General Counsel at Fidelity Legal, is a national legal analyst for The Legal Advocate. The Legal Advocate can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Ms. Rebecca Setlow to help you, please call 866-805-9260 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).