LOS ANGELES, CA – The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has arrested a 41-year-old piano teacher, Hovanes John Jihanyan, for allegedly engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old student, prompting an extensive investigation by Youth and Family Services detectives.
The disturbing allegations came to light after the department received a report indicating that Jihanyan had been involved in inappropriate conduct with the victim since July 2024, when she was just 13 years old.
Investigators uncovered that these encounters occurred at various locations, including the student’s home, Jihanyan’s vehicle, and his teaching studio located at the French Conservatory of Music in Beverly Hills.
On December 12, with the assistance of both uniformed and undercover officers, SMPD detectives executed arrest and search warrants, successfully taking Jihanyan into custody in Encino.
He is facing serious felony charges, including lewd acts on a minor, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, sexual assault on a minor by an adult ten years older, possession of child pornography, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
The case is set to be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on December 16, 2024. As of now, Jihanyan remains in police custody, with no prior criminal history reported.
The Santa Monica Police Department is appealing to the public for additional information regarding Jihanyan or any potential victims who may have come forward. Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact Detective Lizette Hardgrave at (310) 458-2256 or Sergeant David Haro at (310) 458-8952. The Watch Commander desk is available 24 hours at (310) 458-8427.
