| For Immediate Release Case # 08SF0847
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Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
JEWELRY STORE OWNER CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 18-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN HIS STORE
SANTA ANA – A jewelry store owner was convicted today of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old female customer while she was shopping for a gift for her mother. Fereydoun Ghavami, 57, pleaded guilty to one felony count of sexual battery. He was sentenced to one year in jail, five years of formal probation, and is required to register as a sex offender.
On Oct. 17, 2008, 18-year-old Jane Doe went to Royal Fine Jewelry at 23016 Lake Forest Drive, Suite D, in Laguna Hills to buy a necklace for her mother. While Jane Doe was in the store trying on necklaces, Ghavami offered to give the victim a free belly chain. The defendant approached the victim, put his hands around her waist as if to put the belly chain on her, and then put his hands down her pants.
After leaving the store, the victim told her family about the sexual assault. Her family advised her to call the police. Ghavami previously owned Royal Jewelers at 32411 Golden Lantern Street in Dana Point.
Deputy District Attorney Tony Ferrentino of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted this case.
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