Santa Monica Piano Teacher Charged With Sexually Abusing 13-Year-Old Student During Lessons: 'Horrific'

A Beverly Hills piano teacher has been charged with sexually abusing his 13-year-old student, Los Angeles prosecutors announced Friday.

Hovanes John Jihanyan was arrested on Dec. 13 after police received a tip about the 41-year-old music teacher’s alleged abuse last month, the Santa Monica Police Department previously announced.

On Friday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced that Jihanyan has been charged with six felony accounts related to the alleged abuse, including one count for “continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14.”

“I am appalled by these horrific acts of sexual abuse against a vulnerable child,” Los Angeles DA Nathan 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.”

Hochman noted prosecutors “will ensure any criminal who targets children is held accountable.”

The DA added that authorities “believe there may be additional victims” and asked for anyone with information about Jihanyan’s alleged abuse to reach out to the Santa Monica Police Department.

The DA’s office alleged that Jihanyan had abused the 13 year old during their piano lessons between August and November of this year. The victim, Jihanyan’s student, turned 14 during that period of time.

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“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,” Santa Monica police said earlier this month.

Jihanyan is being held in custody on a $1 million bond and has an arraignment scheduled for Jan. 15, Hochman noted. He could face up to 29 years in prison and would have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life if convicted.