El Monte Police Looking for More Victims in Molestation Case

By Ruby Gonzales
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
June 18, 2014

http://www.sgvtribune.com/general-news/20140618/el-monte-police-looking-for-more-victims-in-molestation-case

Johnny Beserra III, 20, of El Monte, was arrested on May 24 on multiple felony sex charges involving victims under the age of 18. PHOTO COURTESY EL MONTE POLICE DEPARTMENT

A church volunteer is accused of molesting five children at a local school and church.

On Wednesday, El Monte Police asked for the public’s help in finding other possible victims.

“We’ve exhausted our leads,” Lt Chris Williams said. ”We’re concerned there may be more (victims).”

Prosecutors charged 20-year-old Johnny Beserra of El Monte with three counts of sodomy by use of force, two counts continuous sexual abuse, two counts oral copulation of a person under 18, two counts of sodomy of a person under 18, child molesting, oral copulation of a person under 14, oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 or younger, forcible oral copulation and lewd acts upon a child.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges at his May 28 arraignment, said Ricardo Santiago, a public information officer with the District Attorney’s Office.

Williams said Beserra was a volunteer at United Pentecostal Church & El Monte Christian Academy, 11129 Brockway Street.

No one answered the phone at the church on Wednesday afternoon.

The victims are 4 boys and 1 girl ranging in age from seven to 17, according to Sarah Ardalani, spokeswoman for the District Attorney’s Office.

Williams said some were students at the school while the others either attended or visited the church.

Authorities alleged the incidents occurred at the school, church and possible other locations in El Monte from August 17, 2010 to May 23, 2014.

The investigation started last month.

On May 23, Williams said someone went to the El Monte Police station and alleged their child was molested by the suspect at the school.

Investigators found other victims, he added.

Beserra was arrested on May 23 and remains in custody at Men’s Central Jail on a $9 million bail.

He’s scheduled to appear today at Pomona Superior Court to set a date for his preliminary hearing.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective J. Urias at 626-580-2154.