Christopher Eng, 23, owner and operator of Critters Childcare at Beacon Hill and Kimball elementary schools since September, was arrested last week after a 10-year-old boy told his mother the man had been molesting him for two years.

Eng was released from jail and ordered to avoid all contact with minors after he posted $100,000 bail. He was charged Monday with touching the boy's genitals and having the boy touch him on 15 occasions.

If convicted he could face at least 24 years in prison.

According to documents filed by prosecutors in King County Superior Court, the boy said the molestation began while he was in the third grade at Kimball and occasionally visited Eng's home for help with homework and for summer programs.

According to investigators the latest episode occurred after lunch in the teachers' lounge Aug. 28 during the day care's summer program at Beacon Hill.

Before operating Critters Childcare, Eng provided before- and after-school care to children through a program at Jefferson Community Center, also on Beacon Hill.

Eng passed a state criminal background check before working at the schools, city school officials have said, and he was licensed by the state Department of Social and Health Services. State Child Protective Services officials are also investigating the case.

Both Critters child care centers remain open.