Hollywood children's talent agent charged with sexual assault on client, police say

(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - A Hollywood talent agent for young actors has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a client over a three-year-period.

CBS Los Angeles reports that police arrested 47-year-old Martin Weiss at his home Tuesday. He has been charged with eight felony counts of child molestation and is being held on $800,000 bail.

According to police, an investigation into Weiss started late November when a now-18-year-old man accused him of molestation. The victim said he was molested from the age of 11 or 12 and was forced to have sex with Weiss until he turned 15.

Authorities say that Weiss told the victim the sex was a common, career-building practice in the entertainment business. The victim told officers he kept the sexual abuse a secret for fear that telling someone would damage his reputation in the industry and hurt his family.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the victim came forward because he was worried Weiss might be abusing others. He gave officers a recording of a recent conversation in which Weiss acknowledged the sexual contact.

Weiss has been in the business for the past 14 years, say law enforcement officials. He worked as a self-employed talent agent for child actors and has previously worked as a costumed character for children's parties.

Fox News reports that Weiss' company, Martin Weiss Management, specialized in child actors and according to its website found clients work on shows like "iCarly" on Nickelodeon, NBC's "Parenthood" and films such as Adam Sandler's recent "Jack and Jill" and "The Muppets Movie."

Weiss is facing two counts of lewd acts with a child, one count of forced lewd acts with a child, two counts of continuous lewd acts with a child, and three counts of sodomy. Police believe there could be more victims.

If convicted of sodomy and other charges, he could face 34 years in prison says the Districts Attorney's office. Weiss will return to court Dec. 15.