Jose Pena-Maldenado was charged with four counts of child molestation in the first degree Sept. 13 for allegedly molesting two children at the daycare he and his wife operate in Covington.

According to the charging papers, Pena-Maldenado allegedly inappropriately touched one child and made the child look at a pornographic magazine. The other victim told the detective he would touch her all over her body “because he loves her,” the charging papers state, and he would touch the victim while she napped.

The first victim said Pena-Maldenado allegedly “showed her a book with naked people when they were in the van next to her school,” the charging papers state.

Pena-Maldenado gave a statement after informed of his Miranda rights and denied the allegations. He then admitted to touching one of the girls but only briefly and that, “he felt ashamed and really regretted it. He said he told (the victim) to not tell his wife and she was crying. He said his wife told him to not touch girls on their private parts.”

He also admitted to some of the allegations made by the girls of inappropriate touching but denied showing one of the victims the magazine, which he claimed he found in a trash can while he worked at another job, according to the charging papers.

Pena-Maldenado was arraigned Monday.

Prosecutors planned to request $150,000 bail as well as a no contact order with the victims.

The charging papers also stated that given the nature of his employment and the allegations against him, prosecutors had requested Pena-Maldenado not be permitted to have any contact with minors, including those related to him.