CLINTON, Conn. -- A former baby sitter and current chef has been accused of inappropriate contact with a small child, police said.

Jeffrey Renkl, 43, works as a chef at a Westbrook restaurant.

The restaurant’s owner said the charges against Renkl are ridiculous. The owner said Renkl is innocent.

Police Chief Joseph Faughnan said Renkl is accused of inappropriate contact with a girl. He said child’s parents alerted police about the matter.

After a month-long investigation, police said they had enough evidence to arrest Renkl.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporters have confirmed that Renkl worked a few years ago as a baby sitter at the Valley Shore YMCA in Westbrook.

"Children and parents are often afraid to come forward,” said Faughnan. “It's good that they did.”