Sports Camp Owner Accused Of Lewd Acts On Boy Makes First Court Appearance
WESTMINSTER (CBSLA.com) — The 49-year-old owner of a popular Orange County youth sports camp accused of committing several lewd and lascivious acts on a 13-year-old boy eight years ago made his first court appearance on Friday.
Scott Durzo was charged with nine counts of lewd acts on a child younger than 14, seven counts of lewd acts on a child younger than 14 or 15, a count of sodomy with a minor and a count of displaying pornography to a minor, all felonies. He also faces a sentencing enhancement allegation for substantial sexual conduct with a child.
KCAL9's Michele Gile reports that the district attorney had hoped to secure a $1 million bail for Durzo, but the judge declined. He could now be home and out of custody this weekend if he posts the bond on his $250,000 bail.
The suspect, who has been operating Scott Durzo's Total Sport Camp since 1983, allegedly sexually assaulted the now-adult male victim when he was a teen enrolled in the sports camp.
The crimes occurred over a span of three years, officials said.
Durzo also allegedly showed the victim porn.
The reported victim contacted authorities two weeks ago, and Durzo was arrested Wednesday.
Many more camp participants are now calling law enforcement officials.
"When you have somebody that has access to endless numbers of kids over a 31 or 32 period, that fear is always there, so that's why we do these press releases…to make sure that if there are other victims, they do come forward. It does make a difference and they shouldn't be afraid," Deputy District Attorney Bobby Taghavi said.
In addition to the sports camp, Durzo worked as a basketball coach at Los Alamitos High School from 2000 to 2012. He is also an amateur photographer.
Durzo's attorney declined to do an on-camera interview, but said her client is devastated over the allegations.
Durzo's arraignment was rescheduled until June 6.
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