| For Immediate Release Case # 11HF2352 Septemeber 16, 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 SECOND VICTIM AFTER SHE CAME FORWARD AS A RESULT OF MEDIA COVERAGE OF PRIOR INCIDENT
*Defendant was previously charged with sexually assaulting 12-year-old female relative
SANTA ANA – A children’s book author will be arraigned today on new charges for sexually assaulting a young girl after she came forward as a result of media coverage regarding the first victim. Michael William Snyder, 44, San Clemente, is charged with one felony count each of oral copulation of a child 10 years or younger and lewd act upon a child under 14, with a sentencing enhancement allegation for committing a sexual offense on more than one victim. If convicted on all counts, Snyder faces a maximum sentence of 30 years to life in state prison. The defendant is in custody on $1 million bail and is expected to be arraigned today, Sept. 16, 2011, in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.
Jane Doe #2
Snyder is accused being friends with the family of then-9-year-old Jane Doe #2. Between Jan. 1, 2008, and Sept. 7, 2010, the defendant is accused having Jane Doe #2 in his San Clemente home before taking her to Sea World and orally copulating her. On another occasion, Snyder is accused of putting his hand up Jane Doe #2’s shirt and rubbing her back.
Previously Charged Victim
Between June 2010 and March 2011, Snyder is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old female relative at his 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. On March 28, 2011, the defendant was charged with four felony counts of lewd acts on a child under 14.
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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