This case revolves around Hovanes John Jihanyan, a 41-year-old piano teacher from Van Nuys, California, who stands accused of a series of heinous sexual offenses against a 13-year-old student. The alleged abuse, spanning from August 1st to November 9th, 2024, occurred across various locations, including the victim’s home, Jihanyan’s residence, his vehicle, and his studio at the prestigious French Conservatory of Music in Beverly Hills. The victim turned 14 during this period, adding another layer of complexity to the already distressing situation. Jihanyan faces a multitude of charges, ranging from continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 to forcible oral copulation and other related felonies. The gravity of these accusations is underscored by the potential sentence Jihanyan faces: up to 29 years in state prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender, if convicted.
The investigation into Jihanyan’s alleged misconduct commenced on November 19th, 2024, initiated by the Santa Monica Police Department after receiving a report detailing suspicions of child sexual abuse involving a piano teacher. This report prompted a swift response, culminating in the execution of a search warrant and Jihanyan’s subsequent arrest in Encino on December 13th, 2024. He was then booked at Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles and held on a substantial $1 million bail. His arraignment is scheduled for January 15th, 2025, at the Airport Courthouse. The prosecution, spearheaded by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, has expressed deep concern over the case, emphasizing their commitment to aggressively pursuing justice for the victim and their family.
District Attorney Hochman publicly expressed his dismay over the alleged abuse, characterizing the acts as “horrific” and highlighting the vulnerability of the young victim. He reaffirmed his office’s unwavering dedication to prosecuting child abuse cases and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The Sex Crimes Division of the District Attorney’s office, known for its expertise and commitment, will be responsible for handling this sensitive case. Their primary focus will be ensuring that anyone who preys on children faces the full force of the law.
Adding further weight to the situation, prosecutors suspect that Jihanyan may have victimized other individuals. This suspicion underscores the potential breadth of his alleged misconduct and raises concerns about the possibility of additional victims coming forward. This aspect of the case adds a layer of urgency to the ongoing investigation as authorities seek to identify any other potential victims and provide them with the necessary support and resources.
The charges against Jihanyan paint a disturbing picture of alleged predatory behavior. The list of accusations includes continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, forcible oral copulation of a minor over 14, sexual penetration of a minor under 16, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16, sodomy of a child under 16, and lewd acts upon a child aged 14 or 15. Each charge carries its own significant penalties, and collectively, they underscore the severity and multifaceted nature of the alleged abuse. The varied locations of the alleged incidents – the victim’s home, Jihanyan’s home and vehicle, and his music studio – suggest a pattern of calculated exploitation of the teacher-student relationship.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of vigilance in protecting them from predators. The details of the allegations against Jihanyan are deeply unsettling and highlight the devastating impact sexual abuse can have on young lives. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on securing justice for the victim and ensuring that Jihanyan is held accountable for his alleged crimes. The possibility of additional victims adds another layer of complexity and urgency to the case, underscoring the importance of a thorough investigation and the provision of appropriate support and resources to all those affected. This case also raises crucial questions about child safety within educational settings and the need for robust safeguards to prevent such abuse from occurring in the future.
