Marian Burbine pleads guilty in babysitter sex abuse case

WOBURN, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Marian Burbine, who was married to the late John Burbine, pleaded guilty to charges in connection with her putting six children at risk for sexual abuse after placing them in the care of her husband at her unlicensed child care program.

Burbine, 48, of Wakefield, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment of a child (six counts) and operating an unlicensed day care business (two counts). Her sentencing was continued to June 23.

“The defendant has now admitted her responsibility for this horrendous case of child endangerment,” said District Attorney Marian Ryan. “Parents of these young children entrusted their children’s well-being to the Burbine’s who portrayed themselves as caring and experienced child care providers. Instead of ensuring the children’s welfare and safety, however, the defendant knowingly put them at risk for sexual abuse by her husband. This is a parent’s worst fear and we hope the resolution of this case will permit the families of these young children to begin the healing process.”

From August 2010 to August 2012, Marian Burbine ran a daycare business called Waterfall Education Center. The center was not licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care. Throughout the investigation into the couple, police found that parents who trusted the late John Burbine with their kids were referred by his wife, who knew he was a registered sex offender. He allegedly raped and sexually assaulted children in his care, including 13 infants and other young children.

Officials believe that the alleged rapes and abuse happened when Marian Burbine was not home, without her direct knowledge. John Burbine died on March 7 while in custody waiting for his trial. He was charged with aggravated forcible rape of child, subsequent offense (40 counts), aggravated indecent assault and battery on a child, subsequent offense (18 counts), posing a child in a state of nudity (13 counts), posing a child in sexual conduct (12 counts), possession of child pornography (14 counts), dissemination of material harmful to a minor (two counts), and operating an unlicensed child care program.

Cox Media Group