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LAPD Officer Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 2 Girls Under 10

SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA.com) — A Los Angeles Police Department officer was arrested at his Castaic home over the weekend for allegedly molesting two girls.

Miguel Schiappapietra, a six-year veteran of the force, was off duty when he was taken into custody Saturday and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on suspicion of committing lewd acts on two children under the age of 10.

The 28-year-old suspect is being held on $100,000 bail.

Schiappapietra reportedly lured the two minors to his house, where he sexually assaulted them, according to sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore.

Authorities said the girls lived in the same neighborhood as the suspect.

"You know, having children of my own and knowing there are other children in this neighborhood…I had no idea it was going on down there. It's very disturbing," said resident Tim Rossi.

Neighbors told KCAL9's Brittney Hopper that the officer, his wife and their three children recently moved to the area.

They said Schiappapietra was always friendly and seemed like a family man.

"Scary, that's scary. This is such a quiet, mellow neighborhood," said Michelle Spreuer.

The suspect, who recently transferred to the Foothill Division, faces a sheriff's department criminal investigation and an LAPD administrative investigation, said Det. Gus Villanueva.

If he makes bail, Schiappapietra will be assigned to his home until the investigations are complete.

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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