By Jorge Casuso

December 13, 2024 -- Santa Monica police on Thursday arrested a 41-year-old piano teacher from Van Nuys for sexually molesting a 14-year old student.

The suspect -- who was arrested after "an intense and thorough investigation by detectives in the SMPD Youth Services Division -- may be responsible for additional crimes involving more child victims, police said.

The suspect, identified as Hovanes John Jihanyan, was booked for lewd acts and abuse on a minor 13 years or younger, as well as sexual assault on a minor 13 years or younger with the perpetrator being 10 years older.

Jihanyan, who police said has no prior criminal history, was also booked for possession of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a minor.

The piano teacher and student were engaged in sexual activities since July, when the student was 13 years old, said Lt. Erika Aklufi, the Police Department spokesperson.

"The incidents took place at the student’s home, teacher’s vehicle, as well as the teacher’s studio, French Conservatory of Music, in Beverly Hills," Aklufi said.

SMPD Detectives, with the assistance of uniformed and undercover officers, served arrest and search warrants and took the teacher into custody in Encino, police said.

Jihanyan 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.

Anyone with additional information about the suspect or has been the victim of abuse by the suspect should call Det. Lizette Hardgrave at (310) 458-2256, Sgt. David Haro at (310) 458-8952, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.