City of Santa Monica, CA
12/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/13/2024 13:08
Suspect Arrested in Sexual Assault of Underage Child
December 13, 2024 10:46 AM
Santa Monica, CA - On November 19, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department detectives received a report of suspected child abuse of a 14-year-old by her 41-year-old piano teacher.
Youth and Family Services (YSD) detectives immediately started investigating and learned the piano teacher and student were engaged in sexual activities since July 2024, when the student was 13 years old. The incidents took place at the student's home, teacher's vehicle, as well as the teacher's studio, French Conservatory of Music, in Beverly Hills.
On December 12, 2024, SMPD Detectives, with the assistance of uniformed and undercover officers, served arrest and search warrants and took the teacher into custody in Encino. The teacher has been identified as Hovanes John Jihanyan of Van Nuys.
Jihanyan was booked for the following: section 228(b) of the Penal Code (PC) - lewd acts on a minor 13 years or younger; 288.5 PC - continuous sex abuse of a minor 13 years or younger; 269 PC - sexual assault on a minor 13 years or younger with perpetrator being 10 years older; 311.1(a) PC - possession of child pornography; and 311.3 PC - sexual exploitation of a minor. The case will be filed with the LA County District Attorney's Office on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Jihanyan remains in the custody of the Santa Monica Police Department. Jihanyan has no prior criminal history.
If anyone has additional information about this individual or has been the victim of abuse by this teacher, contact Det. Lizette Hardgrave at (310) 458-2256, Sgt. David Haro at (310) 458-8952, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.
Media Contact
Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant
[email protected]