| For Immediate Release Case # TBA
March 28, 2011 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR CHARGED
WITH SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 12-YEAR-OLD
FEMALE RELATIVE
*Orange County District Attorney is seeking the public’s help identifying potential additional victims in this case
NEWPORT BEACH – A children’s book author with has been charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old female relative. Michael William Snyder, 43, San Clemente, is charged with four felony counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 and faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in state prison if convicted. The defendant is out of custody no $100,000 bail and is expected to be arraigned April 8, 2011, at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. The time and Department are to be determined.
Between June 2010 and March 2011, Snyder is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old female relative in his San Clemente home. He is accused of rubbing her chest and stomach under shirt on several occasions with a sexual intent and instructing her not to tell anyone. He is accused of having the victim sit on his lap and putting his hands up her shirt with the intent to sexually arouse himself or the child.
The victim’s mother became suspicious that the defendant was sexually assaulting Jane Doe when the victim did not want to be left alone with Snyder. The victim disclosed the molestation to her mother. Jane Doe’s mother reported the abuse to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, who investigated this case.
Snyder is a children’s book author who travels to and speaks at elementary schools. He is also contracted with the California Department of Developmental Services to do in-home visits with disabled children in Orange County. Anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Lou Gutierrez at (714) 347-8794.
Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Walker of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.
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