Los Angeles: On June 20, 2001, a 15-year-old male victim was on a MTA bus in the area of Hawthorne Avenue between Orange Drive and Highland Avenue in the Hollywood Area. The victim and the suspect, who was the driver of the bus, began a conversation. The victim inadvertently told the suspect that he was visiting California. The suspect befriended the victim and told him about the different places that the victim should see during his visit. The suspect told the victim to stay on the bus after his last stop and he (suspect) would "set the victim straight" on places to go in Hollywood.

The suspect pulled his bus onto Hawthorne Avenue and parked. The suspect proceeded to sexually molest the victim.

Based on the crime report and other information obtained by the investigating officers, the suspect was arrested on June 21, 2001 at his residence and booked for Lewd Act with a Child.

This case has been presented to the District Attorney's office and the following charges have been filed:

• 1 count 288(c)(1) P.C. Lewd Act with a Child
• 1 count 664/288(a)(c)P.C Attempted Forcible Rape
• 1 count 136 P.C False Imprisonment

The suspect was identified as 48-year-old Anthony Zaragoza, male, Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 6'0" tall, and 325 lbs. It is possible that additional persons may have been victimized in the past by the defendant. Therefore, the Los Angeles Police Department is requesting that any individual who may have been approached by the defendant to engage in lewd acts while riding on an MTA bus, contact Detectives Dill or Conboy, at Hollywood Community Police Station, 213-485-4321. Any and all information regarding any possible victim will be kept confidential.

This press release was prepared by Officer Hayley Purece, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.