Michael Snyder, 43 (Booking Photo) |
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (KTLA) -- A children's book author, already charged with molesting a 12-year old girl, is now accused of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl.
In the most recent case, Michael William Snyder, 44, is charged with felony oral copulation of a child 10 years or younger and a lewd act upon a child under 14, with a sentencing enhancement allegation for committing a sexual offense on more than one victim.
Prosecutors say the 9-year-old visited his home between January 2008 and September 2010 and that in at least one instance Snyder took her to Sea World and orally copulated her.
On another occasion, Snyder is accused of putting his hand up the girl's shirt and rubbing her back.
In March, Snyder was charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old female relative at his home in 2010.
He was arrested after the girl's mother went to authorities stating the writer may have molested her daughter.
Snyder allegedly rubbed the girl's chest and stomach under her shirt "with a sexual intent" and sat her on his lap and put his hands up her skirt, the Orange County district attorney's office said in a statement.
Known as 'Mr. Mike,' Snyder wrote and illustrated "Lemon Drop Raid," "Over the Top," and "Swimming in Chocolate," according to his website, beetlebugbooks.com.
Snyder often spoke at local elementary schools and provided in-home services to mentally disabled people and their families, as a contractor through the state's Department of Developmental Services.
"Because of the children's books, the fear is there may be additional victims," says OC Sheriff Spokesman, Jim Amormino.
Anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact investigator Lou Gutierrez of the Orange County district attorney's office at (714) 347-8794.
Snyder is being held on $1-million bail.
In the most recent case, Michael William Snyder, 44, is charged with felony oral copulation of a child 10 years or younger and a lewd act upon a child under 14, with a sentencing enhancement allegation for committing a sexual offense on more than one victim.
Prosecutors say the 9-year-old visited his home between January 2008 and September 2010 and that in at least one instance Snyder took her to Sea World and orally copulated her.
On another occasion, Snyder is accused of putting his hand up the girl's shirt and rubbing her back.
In March, Snyder was charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old female relative at his home in 2010.
He was arrested after the girl's mother went to authorities stating the writer may have molested her daughter.
Snyder allegedly rubbed the girl's chest and stomach under her shirt "with a sexual intent" and sat her on his lap and put his hands up her skirt, the Orange County district attorney's office said in a statement.
Known as 'Mr. Mike,' Snyder wrote and illustrated "Lemon Drop Raid," "Over the Top," and "Swimming in Chocolate," according to his website, beetlebugbooks.com.
Snyder often spoke at local elementary schools and provided in-home services to mentally disabled people and their families, as a contractor through the state's Department of Developmental Services.
"Because of the children's books, the fear is there may be additional victims," says OC Sheriff Spokesman, Jim Amormino.
Anyone with additional information or who believes they have been a victim is encouraged to contact investigator Lou Gutierrez of the Orange County district attorney's office at (714) 347-8794.
Snyder is being held on $1-million bail.
