Mark Chavarria, a southern California dance instructor has been taken into custody after police say he sexually assaulted students at his dance studio. The young victims reported that the assaults took place when they were attending the studio. Investigators immediately took action, investigated the incidents, and arrested Chavarria for several sexual assault offenses.
Also Read | Ted Cruz’s photo with Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio goes viral after seditious conspiracy conviction
Who is Mark Chavarria?
Mark Chavarria is the owner of the Chavarria Institute of Arts Dance Studio in Anaheim, California. He is 40 years old. He is from Riverside, California. Chavarria was arrested on Tuesday on sexual assault charges, according to a statement by Anaheim Police Department. The institute is located at 160 S Old Springs Road.
Also Read | Stranahan High School bomb threat: Fort Lauderdale police investigating incident
Chavarria allegedly sexually assaulted multiple girls between the ages of 12 and 14. The 40-year-old was booked at the Anaheim Police Department Detention Facility. He is being held on $5 million at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Central Jail facility.
Also Read | McDonald’s Georgia shooting: Multiple fatalities confirmed after shooter opens fire
Chavarria has taught at several dance institutes in both California and Arizona. Authorities believe he has victimized additional individuals.
Currently, the dance instructor is charged with 15 counts of lewd or lascivious acts on a child younger than 14, two counts of oral copulation of an underage victim, and a count of sexual presentation by foreign object of an underage victim, all felonies. He faces a sentencing enhancement for multiple victims.
Also Read | Henry ‘Enrique’ Tarrio: Net worth, age, relationship, career, family and more
It was unclear whether Chavarria has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
According to the dance institute’s website, it offers classes in dance, performing arts, and music for all ages, toddler through adult, in styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, jazz funk, hip-hop, musical theater, lyrical, technique, tap, glee/voice, tumbling and instrumental music.
Anyone with further information is requested to call Anaheim Police Detective Carney at 714-765-1969 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.
