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Va. handyman accused of sexually assaulting at least 3 kids

A 43-year-old handyman from Springfield is being charged in connection with assaulting three different children between the ages of four and 11, Fairfax County police said. 

<p>(Photo: Fairfax County Police) </p>

A 43-year-old handyman from Springfield is being charged in connection with assaulting three different children between the ages of four and 11, Fairfax County police said.

Jerbeth Adallir Palma, 43, of Springfield, is being charged with three counts of sodomy of a child under the age of 13, one count of indecent liberties with a child under the age of 15, and one count of aggravated sexual battery of a child under the age of 13.

Police believe there may be other victims. Palma was able to come in contact with these kids while working in their homes as a handyman.

He has been working as an independent contractor for several years in Fairfax County, police stated.

WUSA9 looked into his background as an independent contractor. According to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, they don't have any record of Palma being licensed. By law, anyone working as a contractor independently, doing work over $1,000, must register with the DPOR.

Palma remains in custody at the Fairfax County Jail. A judge denied him bond. Someone at Palma's home Thursday said the family had no comment about the allegations.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective C.C. O’Malley at 703-246-7827, or the Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131. You can also submit a tip anonymously through Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Anonymous Tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100-$1,000 if their information leads to an arrest.

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