Vietnamese entertainer in Garden Grove charged with sexual assault of boy

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Vietnamese entertainer accused of sexually assaulting boy
A well-known Vietnamese actor and comedian from Garden Grove was in jail Tuesday after being accused of sexually assaulting a young boy.

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- A well-known Vietnamese actor and comedian from Garden Grove was in jail Tuesday after being accused of sexually assaulting a young boy.

The Orange County District Attorney's office said they were asking for the public's help in finding other possible victims.

Prosecutors said Minh Quang Hong, who goes by the stage name Minh Beo, claimed to be hosting auditions for a project when the alleged assault happened earlier this month.

The 38-year-old was accused of orally copulating a minor when the victim arrived to the audition on March 23, according to a press release from the OCDA. The victim reported the incident to Garden Grove police.

Officials said Hong tried to set up a meeting the next day with an undercover officer, who was posing as a minor and was subsequently arrested by Garden Grove police.

News of the popular actor's arrest was surprising to many who watch his shows.

"I used to watch his show," said Lan Nguyen of Ohio. "He's very famous in Vietnam. A lot of people know about him."

The entertainer was facing several felony counts, including oral copulation of a minor and attempting to commit a lewd act upon a child under the age of 14. He faces nearly six years in prison if convicted.

Hong is being held on $1 million bail and will be in court for arraignment on April 15.

Because of his popularity, prosecutors say they're concerned there may be other potential victims hesitant to say anything. Anyone with information is urged to call the district attorney's office at (714) 347-8794.