Tarzana Middle School Teacher Arrested for Multiple Counts of Child Molestation NR11087SF

Los Angeles: On Thursday, February 17, 2011, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Topanga Area detectives arrested Sean Wellbaum for multiple counts of child molestation. Wellbaum is a 39-year-old resident of Canoga Park and is currently a teacher at Portola Middle School in Tarzana.  

The victim, now a 22-year-old man, told investigators that Wellbaum molested him repeatedly when he was between the ages of 11 and 16.  At the time of the incidents, Wellbaum was a teacher at Columbus Middle School in Canoga Park.  

During the investigation, detectives searched Wellbaum’s home and later arrested him for multiple counts of child molestation.  He was booked at Van Nuys Jail on February 17, 2011, but is currently out on $600,000 bail.  Wellbaum’s arraignment is scheduled for March 18, 2011.

Detectives are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Wellbaum to contact Topanga Area Detectives, Detective Nick Abbinanti at 818-756-4800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.