News Releases

Hovanes John Jihanyan, a 41-year-old Beverly Hills piano teacher, is charged with sexually abusing a 13-year-old student

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced today that 41-year-old Beverly Hills music teacher Hovanes John Jihanyan is charged with sexually abusing his 13-year-old piano student between August 1 and November 9, 2024. The victim turned 14 during the time of the alleged abuse.

"I am appalled by these horrific acts of sexual abuse against a vulnerable child," District Attorney Hochman stated. "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. The skilled and dedicated prosecutors in our Sex Crimes Division will ensure any criminal who targets children is held accountable. We believe there may be additional victims, and we encourage anyone with information to come forward and contact the Santa Monica Police Department."

Hovanes John Jihanyan (DOB 4/25/83) is charged in case 24ARCF01827with one felony count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14; one felony count of forcible oral copulation of a minor victim over 14 years; one felony count of sexual penetration of a minor under 16 years; one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 years; one felony count of sodomy of a child under 16 years; and one felony count of a lewd act upon a child age 14 or 15.

According to prosecutors, Jihanyan was the victim’s piano teacher. Between August 1 and November 9, 2024, Jihanyan allegedly continuously sexually abused the victim during piano lessons.

Jihanyan was arrested on December 12 and is being held on $1 million bail.

Arraignment is scheduled January 15 in Dept. 30 of the Airport Courthouse.

If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of29 years in state prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

The case is being prosecuted by the office’s Sex Crimes Division and investigated by the Santa Monica Police Department.

Additional victims or anyone with information is asked to contact Santa Monica Police Department 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.

Hovanes John Jihanyan 

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