A troubling case in Sacramento County has prompted fresh scrutiny of childcare worker background checks and immigration enforcement. Gokhan Bagci, a Turkish national employed at Mather Childcare Center, was arrested in August 2025 and charged with lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 14. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Bagci allegedly lured a young girl into a closet under false pretense, then sexually assaulted her and took her to a bathroom where he allegedly raped her. A mother reported the abuse, and investigators believe other children at the facility may have been victimized.
What has intensified concern is Bagci’s immigration history. He had been removed from the United States twice previously—in November 2023 and September 2024 through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Despite these deportations, he was working at a childcare facility serving Sacramento County families. On Friday, ICE filed a detainer request to hold Bagci in federal custody during immigration proceedings. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 31, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
The case raises critical questions for Sacramento parents and policymakers. How did background vetting miss this individual’s deportation history? What gaps exist in childcare worker screening processes? And what can families do to ensure their children are in safe hands? If you have concerns about your child’s daycare facility, now may be the time to ask direct questions about their background check procedures and safety protocols. What steps do you think Sacramento should take to strengthen childcare worker vetting?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
