Child Molestation Caught On Camera

LAPD Releases Footage of a Child Molester Committing a Lewd Act on a Child

LOS ANGELES–Sexual Assault Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Area released footage of a man sexually molesting a young girl in a South LA clothing store.  The LAPD released the footage of the child molestation caught on camera hoping for the public’s assistance in identifying the sexual predator.

Based on the LAPD’s press release, it is likely that the man will be criminally charged under California Child Molestation Law, Penal Code 288 – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child (under 14) or Penal Code 647.6 – Annoying or Molesting a Child.

The Circumstances

On July 5, 2017 around 3:00 p.m., the suspect entered a local clothing store in the South 400 block of Los Angeles Street in the city of Los Angeles. The suspect entered the store and walked up to a young girl and grabbed her buttocks with his right hand. The suspect then fled the location on foot.

The suspect also matched the description and actions of a similar incident that previously occurred at the Los Angeles Public Library. In that case the suspect approached a young girl in the children’s section of the library and reached his hand between her legs. The young girl ran away from him.

What Is Child Molestation?

The basic idea behind child molestation is that the child molester is motivated by sexual interest in the child or children that are victimized.  It is evident in the child molestation caught on camera, above, that the man did not overtly fondle the sexual organs of the girl.  Nor did the man touch her privately or on her bare skin.  Nevertheless, because the man’s behavior was likely motivated with the intent to arouse, appeal, or gratify his sexual lust for children, the contact in the video will be charged as a lewd and lascivious act on a child.

We often talk to people who had “uncomfortable” or “creepy” experiences with an adult, but who don’t feel that they were sexually molested.  We think that this video shows the range of behaviors that can qualify as child molestation under California law.  Child molesters often continue to molest children throughout their lives.  They will always push the limits of their behavior, touching children in every way possible to satisfy their sexual interests.  This is why Sex Offenders are required to list their names on a registry for public notice.

The Law Is Designed To Protect The Children, Not the Child Molesters

When pedophiles touch children, they are sexually abusing them.  We encourage anyone who was touched or made to feel uncomfortable by a child molester to contact a professional child molestation lawyer.  Children being touched by a child molester is never okay.  And we often see large organizations like churches, youth sports leagues, and youth serving organizations give the benefit of the doubt to these creepy adults over the interest in protecting innocent children.

Child molesters are selfish.  They never consider the welfare of the children they are victimizing.  And they will continue to indulge their sexual desires by touching and interacting with children in any way possible.

California Child Molestation Law