Adult Son of Babysitter Arrested for Child Molestation, Hidden Cameras
Sylmar. Following the filing of child molestation charges yesterday against 47-year-old Israel Sanchez, detectives released his booking picture in an effort to warn parents and identify other possible victims.
Sanchez shares an apartment with his mother, who provides babysitting services to local residents. Earlier this week, special agents from the Homeland Security Investigations, part of DHS and located in Northridge, served a search warrant on the apartment unit, located at 13987 Foothill Boulevard, Sylmar, and seized computers and cameras related to suspected child pornography. The investigation was related to internet transmissions of child pornography, which is a federal crime.
Detectives from LAPD’s Mission Police Station became involved when the federal agents discovered evidence of at least two children being molested directly by Sanchez.
“We believe these children were clients of Sanchez’s mother, who babysat for families in the neighborhood,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “What’s more, we discovered Sanchez’s room was rigged with cameras to record the molestation for distribution over the internet.”
Both victims’ families are cooperating with investigators, but detectives think there could be other victims. Neither family had been aware their daughters had been touched. The victim in the filed case is 18 months old. The other victim is 10 years old, but that case has yet to be filed.
Investigators have seized computers and cameras, which HIS/DHS will examine forensically. “We’ll use their findings to identify victims, but in the meantime, if a family has used the babysitting services at the apartment or allowed their child contact with Sanchez, we’d like them to contact us.”
Sanchez is an alien resident, and ICE has placed a hold on his immigration status. He was charged with Annoying a Child under 14 years, and his bail was set at $100,000. Sanchez has lived at the same apartment with his mother since 1995.
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Marc Madero, Mission Sex Unit, at (818) 838-9969. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
Det. Nicole Kittle will be available for media interviews starting after 7AM. Media outlets can contact her at 818 838-9975.
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