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Children's Talent Agent Arrested For Allegedly Molesting Young Clients

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A Hollywood talent agent for children has been arrested and charged with eight felony counts of child molestation.

Los Angeles police arrested Martin Weiss, 47, on Wednesday at his home in Santa Monica.

According to police, Weiss had been in business for the past 14 years as a self-employed talent agent for child actors. He also previously worked as a costumed character for children's parties.

An investigation into Weiss began in late November when an 18-year-old man accused his former talent agent of molestation, police said. The victim alleged he was molested over a three-year period between 2005 and 2008, beginning when he was 11-years-old.

The victim told police he kept the molestation a secret for fear that disclosure would damage his reputation in the industry and hurt his family.

Weiss is facing two counts of lewd acts with a child, one count of forced lewd acts with a child, two counts of continuous lewd acts with a child, and three counts of sodomy. If convicted on all counts, he could face 80 years in prison.

Weiss is being held on $800,000 bail. He will return to court on Dec. 15.

Police believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information should call the LAPD at (818) 756-3375.

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