An Antioch woman is accused of sexually abusing a young girl while working as her nanny and using the victim to produce child pornography.
On Wednesday, Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, 28, made her first appearance in the Contra Costa County courthouse.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included the production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, using a minor for unlawful sex acts, and committing lewd and lascivious acts against a child.
At the time of her arrest last week, Hidalgo was working as a nanny for the victim’s family.
On September 21, a social media company alerted law enforcement that child sexual abuse materials of a small child were being shared on their platform.
The social media platform used was not disclosed.
The following day, Hidalgo was arrested by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The agency served a search warrant at her Antioch home and seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images.
Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves said the case is a reminder to be cautious and diligent about anyone trusted with children. “It is a reminder that anyone we bring into our home, or coaches, or anyone, we have to be diligent,” Graves said.
Investigators are looking into other children whom Hidalgo might have cared for as a nanny and determine if they are more victims.
“We are not sure if there are other victims, but we are looking into it,” Graves said.
The nanny’s supporters declined to talk to reporters at the courthouse Wednesday.
Hidalgo remains in custody in lieu of $700,000 bail. At her next court appearance, Graves said the District Attorney’s Office would argue to keep the nanny behind bars if the defense asks for bail to be lowered. “Why? Because she is a danger,” Graves said.
If Hidalgo is convicted of the seven felony charges filed against her, she could face prison time and would be required to register as a sex offender.
