El Monte Christian School Volunteer Accused Of Molesting At Least 5 Children
EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) —A 20-year-old Christian school volunteer has been accused of molesting at least five children.
Johnny Beserra III was arrested in late May at his home on more than a dozen counts of felony lewd acts with a child, including oral copulation and sodomy.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held on $9 million bail.
The incidents, which occurred at the United Pentecostal Church & El Monte Christian Academy, date back four years, police said.
"We have identified five victims," El Monte police Lt. Christopher Williams said. "We're concerned also because the victims are not specific to any sex or any age range. Everything from elementary school to junior high to high school."
In addition to volunteering at the school, Beserra is also a member of the parish.
Police said some of the abuse occurred on campus.
"I do know that at some point in time he did have alone time with the children. What that means is he was the person in charge of them," Williams said.
Authorities seek additional victims.
"This is clearly something that concerns us. This is nothing that we ever want to hear about taking place in our community. We want to make sure we fully investigate it and identify any potential victims," Williams said.
Anyone with information should contact the El Monte Police Department at (626) 580-2154.
