30-year-old California male nanny accused of molesting two boys he was babysitting, four more alleged victims come forward
A 30-year-old male nanny in Costa Mesa, California has been accused of molesting two boys he was babysitting.
The Orange County district attorney’s office on Wednesday said that the Laguna Beach police arrested Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski on May 17 at a local airport while he was getting off an international flight.
A Laguna Beach couple, in early May, had reported to police that Zakrzewski had touched their eight-year-old son inappropriately while he was babysitting him. The couple had reportedly hired the suspect through his website, the DA office said. Zakrzewski, on his website, says that he has at least six years of experience as a "professional nanny."
Shortly after the couple's complain, the Laguna Beach police detectives launched an investigation into the case and identified a second victim, a seven-year-old boy from Los Angeles.
Zakrzewski has reportedly pleaded not guilty to three counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, one count of oral copulation of a child under the age of 10 and one count of possession of child pornography, according to LA CBS Local.
Authorities, ever since the suspect's arrest, say that at least four more possible victims have come forward in association with the case.
Despite the development, some of Zakrzewski’s neighbors said that they were shocked by the allegations against him.
"You just don’t think that something so sickening is so close to your front door,” neighbor Bonnie Prosser said, according to the outlet. "I’m just shocked. I can’t believe it.”
While another woman said that she that it is nearly impossible for her to believe that the friendly child she grew up with is facing such heinous allegations. The woman wanted to remain anonymous.
"I’m very surprised and shocked," she said, adding: "I did think it was odd when I knew he was doing a babysitting business, ’cause he’s a really smart kid.”
Meanwhile, detectives have said that if anyone believes they have information about more alleged victims they can contact them at 949-715-1300.
Zakrzewski is reportedly being held on $1 million bail at the OC Jail, details about whether he has an attorney are not available yet.