December 20, 2024: DA Hochman Announces Child Sex Abuse Charges Against Piano Teacher in Los Angeles County – Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
December 20, 2024: DA Hochman Announces Child Sex Abuse Charges Against Piano Teacher in Los Angeles County Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
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Los Angeles County District Attorney Announces Charges Against Music Teacher for Sexual Abuse of Minor
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced today that 41-year-old Beverly Hills music teacher Hovanes John Jihanyan is charged with sexually abusing his 13-year-old piano student between August 1 and November 9, 2024. The victim turned 14 during the time of the alleged abuse.
Commitment to Seeking Justice for Victims
“I am appalled by these horrific acts of sexual abuse against a vulnerable child,” District Attorney Hochman stated. “Our office has a long history of aggressively prosecuting child abuse cases, and we are fully committed to seeking justice for the victim and their family. The skilled and dedicated prosecutors in our Sex Crimes Division will ensure any criminal who targets children is held accountable. We believe there may be additional victims, and we encourage anyone with information to come forward and contact the Santa Monica Police Department.”
Charges and Allegations
Hovanes John Jihanyan (DOB 4/25/83) is charged in case 24ARCF01827 with the following felony counts:
- Continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14
- Forcible oral copulation of a minor victim over 14 years
- Sexual penetration of a minor under 16 years
- Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 years
- Sodomy of a child under 16 years
- Lewd act upon a child age 14 or 15
Details of the Alleged Abuse
According to prosecutors, Jihanyan was the victim’s piano teacher. Between August 1 and November 9, 2024, Jihanyan allegedly continuously sexually abused the victim during piano lessons.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Jihanyan was arrested on December 12 and is being held on $1 million bail. Arraignment is scheduled for January 15 in Dept. 30 of the Airport Courthouse.
Potential Penalties
If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 29 years in state prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Prosecution and Investigation
The case is being prosecuted by the office’s Sex Crimes Division and investigated by the Santa Monica Police Department.
Contact Information
Additional victims or anyone with information is asked to contact:
- Santa Monica Police Department Det. Lizette Hardgrave at (310) 458-2256
- Sgt. David Haro at (310) 458-8952
- The Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427
Hovanes John Jihanyan
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses the sexual abuse of a minor, highlighting the vulnerability of children, particularly girls, to such acts.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article emphasizes the commitment of the District Attorney’s office to seeking justice for the victim and holding the perpetrator accountable.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of cases prosecuted: The article mentions that the case is being prosecuted by the office’s Sex Crimes Division, indicating the progress in addressing the issue of violence against children.
- Number of victims coming forward: The article encourages anyone with information to come forward, suggesting the importance of victim reporting and the identification of additional victims.
- Number of convictions: If the defendant is convicted as charged, it would indicate progress in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | – Number of cases prosecuted – Number of victims coming forward |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | – Number of cases prosecuted – Number of victims coming forward – Number of convictions |
Source: da.lacounty.gov
