Former Church Member Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Boys In 1970s
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Police have arrested a man suspected of sexually assaulting several teenage boys who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1970s, and they believe there may be more victims.
Daniel Montoya, 55, of Phoenix, was brought to Long Beach last Friday after being arrested on Oct. 6.
An investigation into Montoya began in April of this year, when Long Beach police received information from the church, alleging that a former member was responsible for sexually molesting several teenage boys, beginning in the 1970s, police officials said.
During the investigation, detectives found that in 1986, Montoya pleaded guilty to molesting two teenage boys who were members of his church in Long Beach, police said. As part of his sentence, Montoya was sentenced to three years of probation, ordered to take psychotherapy treatment and to register as a sex offender.
Officials say Montoya moved to Phoenix sometime after that conviction and did not register as a sex offender as required.
Police say the latest victims did not initially report the crimes because of embarrassment. But years later, when the suspect called and inquired about the victim's 8-year-old child, he felt compelled to report the crimes, police said.
Detectives located and interviewed four more victims, and determined that Montoya would befriend the teenage boys then begin sexually molesting them, police said.
Montoya was charged with three counts of sexual assault-related charges and is now being held on $1.25 million bail.
Detectives believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information about Montoya or a possible victim can contact Long Beach Sexual Assault Investigation Detective Jennifer Kearns at (562) 570-5514. Anonymous tips can be called in to 1 (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
