Detectives Searching for More Molestation Victims

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department detectives are searching for victims who may have been molested by a Los Angeles Unified School District maintenance worker.

The information came to light April 14, 2006, after the maintenance worker, Jose Guzman, 40, told a mental-health therapist that he was stricken with guilt for molesting children. As a mandated reporter, the therapist was required to report the information to the local police department.

The therapist filed the report with the Los Angeles Police Department, which assigned the case April 18, 2006, to the Sexually Exploited Unit.

The initial information identified a 7-year-old boy, who was molested in a school restroom two years ago, and another victim who was molested 16 years ago at Guzman’s home.

On June 6, 2006, detectives arrested Guzman on a warrant at his sister’s home in Arleta. Guzman was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Acts on Child under 14, a felony. His bail was set at $500,000. He remains in custody pending a hearing.

Guzman worked at Canoga Park High School at the time of his arrest. The school district has suspended Guzman pending the investigation.

Guzman has worked at a number school sites over the last twenty years. The periods at these schools varied depending on the project to which he was assigned.

Detectives have released a list of the schools and a photograph of Guzman to prompt other victims to come forward.

Frost Middle School
Germain St. Elementary School
Hale Middle School
Haynes St. Elementary School
Henry Middle School
Holmes Middle School
Hughes Middle School
Kennedy High School
Lanai Elementary
Langdon Elementary School
Lawrence Middle School
Leichman Special Ed
Liggett Elementary
Lockhurst Elementary School
Maddison Middle School
Monroe High School
Mulholland Middle School
Napa Street Elementary School
Nobel Middle School
Northridge Middle School
Parkman Middle School
Plummer Elementary School
Pomelo Elementary School
Porter Middle School
Reseda Elementary School
Reseda High School
Secondary Science Center
Sellerly Elementary School
Sepulveda Middle School
Sherman Oaks CES Magnet School
Shirley Ave Elementary School
Sutter Middle School
Taft High School
Van Nuys High School
Vanalden Elementary School
Welby Way Elementary School
Woodland Hills Elementary School

Anyone having any information regarding Jose Guzman is encouraged to call the Los Angeles Police Departments Sexually Exploited Child Unit at 213-485-2883. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).