Who: Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Area Detectives

What: Press Conference

When: Thursday, November 6, 2003, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Foothill Area Police Station, 12760 Osborne Street, Pacoima

Los Angeles: Foothill Area Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a Child Molestation suspect.

The suspect is described as a male, Armenian, approximately 5’07"-6’02", 180-215 lbs, about 40-49 years of age. The suspect is balding from the front hairline and has a distinctive mole on the right side of his face.

In August, the suspect forced a child by means of threats into a public library bathroom where he molested the child. The suspect also attempted to abduct two other children from the K-Mart located at 8040 Foothill Boulevard in October and November.

Detectives have obtained a security video photograph of the suspect and are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect. It is believed the suspect may live in and or frequents the area of Sunland. The video photograph is available to the media through Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Malinka at 818-834-3115 or 818-756-8861. On weekends and during off-hours, contact the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Sandra Escalante, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

UPDATE: On November 6, 2003, at 10:50 p.m., after observing the suspect’s photograph on the local news, a concerned citizen contacted the Los Angeles Police Department. The citizen informed the police of the identity and location of the suspect. Foothill Area patrol officers immediately responded to the 10200 block of Samoa Avenue in the Tujunga area of Los Angeles and took the suspect into custody with out incident.

The suspect is 38 year-old John Saghanejad. He was charged with one count of 667.8 (A) P.C., Kidnap For The Purpose of Sex, three counts of 288a (b) P.C., Lewd Acts With a Child With Force and nine counts 288a (c) P.C., Lewd Acts With a Child Under 14. Saghanejad is being held at Van Nuys Jail on $1,700,000.00 bail.