UNCW student charged with sex offenses against child he was babysitting

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A UNCW student has been charged with sex offenses against a child he was babysitting.

Donato is charged with two counts of 1st Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and 2 counts of Taking Indecent Liberties with Children.

Investigators say Donato sexually exploited and took indecent liberties with a young child he was babysitting earlier this week.

Police say Donato worked as the YMCA Site Coordinator for the Afterschool Care program at Wrightsville Beach Elementary School.

New Hanover County Schools sent out the following statement:

Student safety is the biggest priority for New Hanover County Schools. While this individual was not an NHCS employee and this incident did not happen at one of our sites, we take this matter seriously and are working with law enforcement and the YMCA as they investigate.

Additionally, the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina sent out the following statement:

At the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, the safety of our members, program participants, and staff is our top priority.

We recently learned that one of our afterschool staff, Elijah Donato, was arrested for indecent liberties with a child and sexual exploitation of a minor. According to the Carolina Beach Police Department, Donato’s crimes involved a child that he was babysitting. The alleged actions did not take place in connection with any YMCA event or activity, nor did it transpire on YMCA property. Moreover, we do not have any reports or indications that Donato engaged in any inappropriate interactions or behavior connected with our YMCA.

Nonetheless, we take these allegations extremely seriously. As such, very shortly after learning this difficult news, our Leadership Team, including Human Resources, took appropriate action, including terminating Donato’s employment with the YMCA of Southeastern NC, effective September 28, 2023.

We have strong policies in place regarding the protection of minors, however, we are conducting our own internal investigation out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the continued safety and well-being of those minors who interact with our YMCA. We also stand ready to fully cooperate with the authorities with respect to the criminal charges pending against Donato.

At the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, the safety and well-being of children in our care always has been and always will be a top priority. We detest all forms of abuse and are committed to providing a safe environment to every person in our programs, most importantly children who are entrusted to our care. We have a series of measures in place to keep kids safe.

Prior to starting at our Y, all employees must pass a thorough background check, reference check, and complete training on preventing, recognizing, and responding to abuse. We also prohibit staff from being alone with a child where they cannot be observed by others. Additionally, all YMCA members and staff are checked against the National Sex Offender Registry.

We are working with New Hanover County Schools to keep parents, guardians, staff, and the community informed about the situation.

Our hearts and prayers are with those impacted by these heinous actions.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office assisted and took Donato into custody on the warrants for arrest, and transferred him to the Carolina Beach Police Department.

Donato was taken in front of a New Hanover County Magistrate and placed on a $500,000 secured bond.

He is currently in custody at the New Hanover County Jail.

You are asked to contact the Carolina Beach Police Department if you have any additional information regarding Elijah Donato at 910-458-2540.

This investigation is ongoing.