Late last week, an after-school program coach was charged with numerous felony counts of committing lewd acts on a child. Ronnie Lee Roman, 42, is accused of in appropriately touching female students in Los Angeles as far back as 2001.
Last Friday’s charges come following a report from a Cahuenga Elementary School student who claimed that Roman had inappropriately touched her on several occasions. The LAPD Sexually Exploited Child Unit began investigating Roman and identified numerous alleged victims who had attended two Los Angeles schools. At the time of his arrest, Mr. Roman was working as a coach for an after-school program called Beyond the Bell, which is in place in several Los Angeles Unified School District elementary and middle schools
As The LA Times reports, prosecutors believe that seven victims have been found from Cahuenga Elementary School in Koreatown, with the alleged crimes happening between January 2012 and September 2014. They also they have found two alleged victims from Vine Elementary School in Hollywood who were molested between August 2001 and July 2002. All of the students were between 7 and 11 years old at the time of the alleged crimes.
An Ongoing Investigation
According to the Los Angles Country Sheriff’s Department, Roman’s bail has been set at $1.7 million. The total charges against him at this time are nine counts of lewd acts on child, which could result in a maximum of 135 years to life in state prison. Authorities believe, however, that there could be more victims who have yet to come forward. The LAPD is currently calling for anyone with more information about Mr. Roman to come forward and assist with their investigation.
Get Help Today
If you have been hurt by Ronnie Lee Roman or another adult that was trusted with your protection, then it is possible to seek civil damages to the harm done to you and your family. At The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP, we have dedicated our firm to helping those who have been victimized navigate the legal process of having these crimes against them recognized and holding those who let those crimes happen responsible for their negligence.
Contact us for more information on how our California attorneys can assist during this troubling time. We are ready to offer you a free and confidential case evaluation.