Babysitter Sentenced for Abuse of Special Needs Children
A babysitter from California who focused on special needs children has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for the sexual assault of at least four young girls. This information comes from a press release issued by the San Diego County District Attorney’s office.
Britney May Lyon, 31, received her sentence from San Diego County Superior Court. She was found to be involved in a systematic abuse scheme alongside her boyfriend, Samuel Cabrera. Lyon had pleaded guilty earlier in May to two felony charges related to inappropriate behavior involving a child, as well as two additional charges concerning coercive behavior toward a child.
The victims, aged between 3 and 7, included two girls diagnosed with autism, one of whom could not speak. Summer Stephen, the San Diego County District Attorney, described Lyon as “ruthless” for posing as a reliable babysitter while targeting vulnerable children with autism and committing horrific acts against them.
Lyon and Cabrera collaborated to gain access to the children, sometimes bringing them to his residence or inviting them into her home during babysitting sessions. Authorities became aware of the abuse when a seven-year-old victim expressed reluctance to go with Lyon, who was a friend of her family.
After the girl’s mother reported concerns, police arrested Lyon. Investigations led to the discovery of six computer hard drives containing hundreds of videos related to the abuse. Authorities also found recordings of Lyon filming women and girls in private areas, such as changing rooms and bathrooms, throughout North County. Cabrera had previously received eight life sentences without the possibility of parole after his 2019 conviction.
California’s parole laws may allow Lyon to apply for release when she turns 50, meaning she could potentially serve only 28 years. This has drawn criticism from figures like state Senate minority leader Brian Jones, who labeled the situation “shameful.” He called for legislation aimed at preventing sex offenders from qualifying for parole as they age. “I urge my Democrat colleagues to put an end to predator protection and advance this crucial bill, bringing justice to the victims,” Jones stated.
