Hovanes Jihanyan (Credit: Santa Monica Police Department)
LOS ANGELES - A Beverly Hills piano teacher was charged Friday with allegedly sexually abusing his teenage student for months.
Hovanes Jihanyan was arrested back on Dec. 12. On Friday, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced six felony charges against Jihanyan, including continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16.
According to the charges, Jihanyan repeatedly abused his 13-year-old student during their piano lessons between August and November of this year. The alleged assaults happened at the girl's home, in Jihanyan's car, and at his teaching studio, French Conservatory of Music in Beverly Hills, the Santa Monica Police Department said. During that time, the victim turned 14, the DA's office said.
"I am appalled by these horrific acts of sexual abuse against a vulnerable child," Hochman said in a statement. "Our office has a long history of aggressively prosecuting child abuse cases, and we are fully committed to seeking justice for the victim and their family."
Jihanyan is being held on $1 million, and is expected to be arraigned in January 2025. If convicted, Jihanyan faces up to 29 years in state prison.
The District Attorney's Office said they believe others may have been assaulted, and asked anyone with information to contact the SMPD.
Are you or someone you know a recent survivor of sexual assault? Help is available. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) provides a 24/7 national sexual assault hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-656-4673