News Summary
In Anaheim, Orange County, two men face serious child molestation charges, shocking the community. Fernando Apaez pleaded guilty to molestation incidents involving minors, while Salvador Armando Arriaga faces allegations related to inappropriate behavior during therapy sessions. Additionally, Zeta Dhanapanth has been charged with multiple counts of lewd acts with minors. Local authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as the community rallies to support the victims and their families.
Orange County Residents Shocked by Child Molestation Charges Against Local Men
In the sunny city of Anaheim, Orange County, two men now face serious charges involving multiple incidents of child molestation, leaving the community in shock and concern. As loved ones come together to support the victims, authorities are on high alert, urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Fernando Apaez Pleads Guilty to Series of Disturbing Acts
First up, we have Fernando Apaez, a 28-year-old who recently pleaded guilty to some truly shocking behavior at a birthday party back in 2018. The convicted individual admitted to molesting two young girls, aged 6 and 9, while they were having fun in a bounce house on East Clifton Avenue in Anaheim. This terrible incident took place on October 27, 2018. Apaez pleaded guilty to a total of four felony counts of forcible lewd acts on a child, which is definitely not something anyone wants to see happen in their community.
Even more troubling is the fact that Apaez is also accused of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl he babysat from May to August of the same year. His sentencing is set for October 21, where he will face the consequences of his actions and hopefully bring some closure to the families affected.
Salvador Armando Arriaga Faces Charges in Another Disturbing Case
Meanwhile, in another unsettling situation, a 32-year-old in-home behavioral therapist named Salvador Armando Arriaga has also been charged with lewd acts. He faces one felony count focused on lewd or lascivious acts on a minor who is under 14 years old. This shocking incident allegedly took place on September 18, 2024, during a therapy session in the boy’s bedroom.
It seems that the boy’s father became alarmed when he realized the room had grown suspiciously quiet. When he went to check on his son, he found Arriaga hiding in a walk-in closet with the boy, who was partially disrobed. Upon confrontation, Arriaga attempted to flee out of a bedroom window but ultimately made his escape through the door instead. Curiously, he returned later wearing a different shirt, right in front of police officers who were still on-site.
DNA evidence has played a crucial role in this case, leading to Arriaga’s arrest on a warrant. If the courts find him guilty, he could face an astonishing 25 years to life in prison. For now, he remains locked up with a hefty bail of $1 million.
Zeta “Jimmy” Dhanapanth’s Shocking Allegations
Another troubling case involves Zeta “Jimmy” Dhanapanth, a 53-year-old man who has been charged with multiple counts of lewd acts with minors he tutored from 2012 to 2016. Dhanapanth faces a staggering total of a dozen felony counts, including possession of child pornography. The alleged victims were just 8 and 9 years old when this abuse began and continued until they reached 13 and 14.
This man is accused of using his position as a tutor to engage in inappropriate behavior during sessions, even giving gifts to the boys in exchange for sexual acts. The details are harrowing, as it has been reported that explicit acts took place, and he allegedly showed gruesome pornographic material to the young victims.
In a rather unusual twist, Dhanapanth is representing himself in court and claims that the allegations against him are completely false and unsupported by any credible evidence.
Community Vigilance and Support Needed
As these cases unfold, local authorities are urging anyone who might have additional information or potential victims to come forward. The Orange County community is left to grapple with the fallout from such horrifying incidents but stands resilient in providing support for the victims and their families.
As the wheels of justice turn, concerned residents keep a watchful eye, hoping for a brighter, safer tomorrow for the vulnerable children in their neighborhood.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC7: Orange County Therapist Charged
- Wikipedia: Child Molestation
- CBS News: Behavioral Therapist Charged
- Google Search: Orange County Therapist Charged
- KTLA: Behavioral Therapist Accused
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Offense
- MyNewsLA: Man Pleads Guilty
- Google News: Fernando Apaez Guilty
- OC Register: Trial Begins for Tutor
- Google Scholar: Salvador Arriaga Case
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
