Hovanes John Jihanyan, a piano teacher at the French Conservatory of Music in Beverly Hills, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor.
Jihanyan, a 41-year-old resident of Van Nuys, is alleged to have sexually abused the victim – a former student – when she was only 13. The illicit sexual activity with the victim, now 14 years old, is believed to have occurred since July 2024, according to authorities.
The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) released a statement noting that detectives began investigating Jihanyan after receiving a report of suspected child abuse of a 14-year-old by her piano teacher.
Hovanes Jihanyan was taken into custody in Encino after police served arrest and search warrants.
Santa Monica Police further noted that the alleged sexual abuse incidents occurred at multiple locations, including:
Piano teacher Hovanes Jihanyan was booked on multiple sex crimes charges:
Jihanyan, who reportedly has no prior criminal history, remains in the custody of the Santa Monica Police Department.
The case will be filed with the LA County District Attorney’s Office on Monday, December 16, 2024, according to the SMPD.
Authorities have indicated there may be additional victims who have yet to be identified. Anyone with information about a possible sex crime committed by piano teacher Hovanes Jihanyan is urged to immediately contact Detective Lizette Hardgrave at (310) 458-2256, Sergeant David Haro at (310) 458-8952, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.
The effects of childhood sexual abuse can be traumatic and long-lasting. Emotional, behavioral, physical, and psychological changes are commonly reported by survivors.
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, nightmares, withdrawal from friends and family, difficulty forming relationships, and unusual fear of people and places are just some of the adverse effects that can occur after sexual abuse.
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California recently eliminated the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse claims under AB 452. This landmark legislation removes the statute of limitations on all childhood sexual abuse claims occurring after January 1, 2024.
If the sexual abuse occurred before 2024, survivors typically have until their 40th birthday to file civil claims seeking financial damages (or within five years of discovering an injury due to the abuse, such as PTSD).
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
For child survivors of abuse, it can take years and even decades to process your trauma before coming forward to report these types of crimes. Accordingly, California has extended deadlines for filing civil claims to allow more victims to pursue justice.
Dordulian Law Group is a nationally-recognized child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault firm founded by a former Los Angeles County sex crimes prosecutor – attorney Sam Dordulian – whose distinguished career includes securing over 100 jury trial victories and helping obtain life sentences against some of the community’s most dangerous sexual predators.
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