Ex-Oak Grove Elementary School janitor charged with child molestation in Visalia

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A former janitor at an elementary school in Visalia was held to answer to 24 charges of child molestation and abuse. A judge determined there is enough evidence to charge Antonio Cardova with child molestation.

Prosecutors say Cardova used his position as a popular custodian at Oak Grove Elementary School in Visalia, to lure students into his janitor's closet where he often kept play equipment used at recess. We're told that he touched at least seven different girls inappropriately on different parts of their bodies. They said in some cases he even exposed himself to the girls, some were as young as 1st graders.

Cardova's attorney denies the allegations and questioned the legitimacy of some of the victims' statements. He'll be back in court next month to be arraigned on all 24 child molestation charges.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Jessica Peres.