Coralville man accused of sexually abusing toddler at day care

Investigators have confirmed that a 21-year-old Coralville man arrested Thursday on suspicion of sexually abusing a toddler is accused of doing so at the daycare where he worked.

Tristan Alexander Loughran faces a charge of felony second-degree sexual abuse after he admitted to an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agent that he committing a sex act on a 2-year-old girl sometime in February or March, according to a criminal complaint.

The incident allegedly took place in Iowa City at Loughran's place of work, police reported. Iowa City Lt. Doug Hart confirmed Friday morning that Loughran worked at a daycare, although Hart didn't immediately release the name of the daycare.

After the DCI turned over the investigation to Iowa City police, Loughran admitted again to local investigators that he committed a sex act on the toddler, according to the criminal complaint.

Hart said police don't believe there are other victims.

Police have identified the victim and confirmed that Loughran had access to her and was, at times, alone with her, according to the complaint. Investigators also learned that the toddler showed signs of having been sexual abused around the time Loughran said the abuse occurred.

Loughran doesn't have a significant criminal history in Iowa. He did change his name last year from Tristan Tjarks to Tristan Loughran, according to online court records.

He left the Johnson County Jail this morning after posting a $25,000 cash or surety bond.

Roger Munns, spokesman for the Iowa Department of Human Services, said he office isn't discussing specific people or daycare facilities. But, he said, the department "will take appropriate action to assure the safety of children when there are reports of abuse at a child care business."

Among its options, Munns said, is to immediately assure that the accused person has no access to children.