LAPD Detectives Arrest North Hollywood Man on Charges of Child Molestation

Los Angeles: On Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at 8:30 a.m., 35-year-old Daniel Craig Kurtz of North Hollywood will be arraigned on three counts of child molestation, in Division M, of San Fernando Superior Court.

Kurtz allegedly molested three girls while working as the Camp Director at the Balboa Park Recreation Center in Encino. In one case, the molestation occurred during a camp outing to a movie theater, the other two incidents happened during an overnight sleepover. At the time of the alleged molestations, the victims were all between the ages of 8 and 10. These incidents are believed to have occurred over a three year period.

Kurtz worked as the Center’s Director from December 2002 to August 13, 2005, when he was relieved of his position for pending allegations of sexual abuse. He was terminated on September 26, 2005.

Prior to his employment at the Balboa Recreation Center, in November 2000, Kurtz worked as a part-time physical education teacher at Louisville High School in Woodland Hills, an all-girls private school. From September 2004 to June 2005, he was employed as a part time teacher at Our Lady of Grace School in Encino.

"Based on Kurtz’s prior involvement with children, we believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward. It is our hope that releasing his photograph will assist in locating any other victims and/or witnesses. It is believed that he is still working with children in some capacity," said Detective Cynthia Dragun of Devonshire Area station. In fact, he is currently in charge of the San Fernando Valley Club Volleyball team.

The detectives handling these investigations are Detective Cynthia Dragun or Detective Kathy Haskins. They can be reached at 818-832-0609, during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Hotline at 1-877-LAW-FULL (1-877-529-3855). The identities of callers wishing to remain anonymous shall be protected.