By Trissean McDonald

Eds: UPDATES suspect charged with eight counts of child molestation (Oct. 5), along with additional details.

GLENDALE – A 29-year-old man accused of committing lewd acts on children under 14 while employed at a Glendale elementary school and a city after-school and summer day camp program was charged with eight counts of child molestation Thursday by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

According to Glendale Police Department spokesman Sgt. Victor Jackson, Pedro Antonio Tellez was taken into custody Tuesday (Oct. 3) in connection with allegedly sexually assaulting minors under 14 in Glendale while employed at John Muir Elementary School and while working part-time at the One Glendale After School Youth Sports Program and Summer Day Camp Program since March.

Jackson said the parents of two victims gave separate reports about their child being touched inappropriately by Tellez at the elementary school, and he got placed on administrative leave from both employers and booked at the Glendale City Jail in lieu of $200,000. He was scheduled to appear at the Glendale Superior Court on Thursday for arraignment.

“The City of Glendale is committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for everyone in our community, especially our children who rely on adults to protect them from harm. Glendale Police Detectives, in conjunction with Glendale Unified School District officials, are actively seeking additional victims or witnesses related to this incident,” the city of Glendale said in a statement.

According to Jackson, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed eight counts of felony lewd act on a child against Tellez Thursday. Tellez pleaded not guilty in response to all the charges, which included allegations of molestation involving at least six elementary school-age boys.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Glendale Police Department Assaults Bureau for their swift and exemplary investigative work in this case. Their diligence has been instrumental in ensuring that justice is served. I also thank the District Attorney’s Office for their invaluable assistance filing these changes,” Glendale Police Chief Manuel Cid said.

Jackson said that detectives released an image of Tellez to identify potential additional victims allegedly abused dating as far back as 2018.

Anyone with information regarding the alleged assaults was urged to contact Glendale Police Department Assaults Bureau Detectives at 818-548-4840.

“We understand that these conversations can be difficult, but they are crucial to ensuring our children’s safety. Your support and cooperation are invaluable as we work together to ensure the well-being of all residents,” the city said.