Man Attempted to Engage in Sexual Acts with Minor NR11432rh

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Sexually Exploited Child Unit have announced the arrest of 34-year-old Joseph Lee Hedderich, a resident from Culver City.

On September 1, 2011, at around 11:30 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department, Juvenile Division, Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, arrested 34-year-old Joseph Lee Hedderich, a resident from Culver City, for Attempted 288A (c)(1) California Penal Code (Oral Copulation with a Minor under the age of 14).  Hedderich had been employed as an independent musical contractor at the Colburn School of Performing Arts, The Westside Academy of Dance, The California Institute of the Arts and the Los Angeles Ballet, all of which are in the Los Angeles area.

The investigation was initiated when the parent of an 11-year-old girl discovered inappropriate photographs and e-mail messages sent by Hedderich via an I-touch digital device, which he provided to the victim.  Detectives assumed the 11-year-old girl’s identity and continued contact with Hedderich.  He was arrested in the city of Pacific Palisades when he showed up to meet with the minor in order to engage in Sexual acts with her.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed 1 count of attempted lewd act upon a child, 664/288 (a) PC, 1 count of meeting minor for lewd purposes, 288.4(b) PC, 1 count of sending harmful matter 288.2(b) PC and 1 count contact with minor for sexual offense, 288.3 (a) PC.  The suspect was held on $100,000.00 bail.  On September 2, 2011 he bailed out of jail and is currently awaiting his next court appearance.

The Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is spearheaded by the LAPD with 44 federal and local affiliate agencies that detect and investigate child predators who use the Internet as a means to contact children or deal in child pornography.  The public is reminded that any suspected inappropriate contact with a minor should be immediately reported to their local law enforcement agency or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678, or missingkids.com, who will forward the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency on a nationwide basis.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Sexually Exploited Child Unit Detective Gilbert Escontrias at 213-486-0580.  During non-business hours or weekends, calls may be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most key pads) using a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters can also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “web tips” and follow the prompts.