MTA Bus Driver May Have Molested Others

August 30, 2001

 
What:
Hollywood Detectives to hold a press conference to seek possible additional victims in MTA bus driver molestation case.
When:
Thursday, August 30, 2001
2:00 PM
Where:
Hollywood Community Police Station
1358 N Wilcox Avenue
Hollywood
Los Angeles: On Wednesday, 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 the defendant may have victimized additional persons in the past. Hollywood detectives will hold a press conference today to release a picture of the suspect in an attempt to locate those possible victims. Detective Montgomery will be holding the press conference.
This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Victoria Diaz Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586