Los Angeles: On Saturday, April 12, 2003, at 5:05 p.m., Los Angeles Police Officers from the Van Nuys Division arrested Jason Michael Handy, age 28, at his residence in Sherman Oaks. He was arrested for Penal Code § 288(a), Lewd Act with a Child Under 14. Approximately three years ago, Handy allegedly kissed and touched a nine year-old girl in Glendale, CA. After his arrest on April 12^th, Handy was released after posting bail.

On Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 9:45 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department’s Fugitive Warrant Section arrested Handy on a no-bail felony warrant from Michigan. The warrant charges Handy with accosting, soliciting, and enticing a child under the age of 16, with the intent to induce the child to commit an immoral act.

As a result of information received from investigators in Michigan, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Sexually Exploited Child Unit began an investigation into Handy in January 2003. The investigation revealed that Handy was attempting to prey on children at his church, in his neighborhood and over the Internet. Handy, an employee in the entertainment industry, was using those connections to contact children. The investigation, which is ongoing, has identified victims in Los Angeles, Michigan, and North Carolina. Based on information acquired during the course of this investigation, the Department acquired evidence that resulted in the arrest of Handy on April 12, 2003.

Handy remains in custody pending his arraignment on the fugitive warrant. In the meantime, the case involving Los Angeles area children has been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims, who have not come forward.

A booking photograph of Handy is available for the media at Media Relations Section.

Anyone having any information regarding Jason Michael Handy is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Sexually Exploited Child Unit at 213-485-2883.

On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer, Grace Brady, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.