The husband of a daycare operator is facing sex assault charges in connection with children who attended his wife’s Maple Ridge facility.

Multiple charges of sex assault have been laid against 37-year-old Latif Hamad Tata.

The charges are a result of an investigation into allegations that Tata sexually assaulted children who attended his wife’s daycare, Shining Stars Daycare, which is in the 20400 block of 122nd Avenue in west Maple Ridge.

Tata was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 13, and was remanded in custody by the courts on Monday, Dec. 17.

“Ridge Meadows RCMP’s serious crimes unit is continuing this investigation. The young victims were left in the care of the daycare, which runs out of the basement of the family’s home,” said Ridge Meadows RCMP Cpl. Alanna Dunlop.

“Police have informed the Ministry for Children and Family Development, as well as the Fraser Health Community Care Facilities licencing about this case. Investigators spent this past weekend interviewing children and their parents,” she added.

And investigators are still interviewing children and parents, Dunlop said Monday.

“In order to further our investigation we are asking for any other victims, or witnesses, to come forward and talk to police. This matter is now before the courts, so I will not comment on the specifics of the allegations,” the corporal explained.

Police are asking for any parent whose child attended the Shining Stars Daycare on 122nd Avenue, who have not already been contacted, or those who have concerns, to call Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251. This business should not be confused with Shining Stars Montessori Daycare and Preschool in east Maple Ridge.