LA man accused of exposing himself at OC library, sexually assaulting 9-year-old girl

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Los Angeles man has been accused of exposing himself at an Orange County library and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl.

According to the Irvine Police Department, 53-year-old Christopher Eduard was arrested Friday after officers executed a search warrant at his home. Records show posted bail and was released the next day.

Police said the incident happened on the evening of March 21 at the OC Library - Heritage Park Regional Branch on Yale Avenue. The girl was there with her mom, according to investigators.

At one point, she was in the children's section when Eduard approached her and asked her to help him film a video, according to police.

Police said Eduard then gave the girl his phone and held up cue cards for her to read out loud.

"During the incident, Eduard exposed himself and assaulted the 9-year-old," read a press release sent out by police. Investigators said the girl told her mom about the incident, who then called police.

Detectives were able to track down Eduard's vehicle - a green 2019 Kia Soul - with the help of surveillance video.

"It is deeply concerning," said IPD Lt. Bill Bingham. "In the detective's review of the video, they observed the suspect milling about the library for some period of time prior to him engaging in contact with the victim in this case."

Police said "evidence" was found at his home linking him to the crime, though specifics were not released. Bingham said he's facing charges of child molestation, production of child pornography and false imprisonment of a minor during the production of child pornography.

Investigators believe Eduard is responsible for other crimes

"There's a great distance between Los Angeles where he lives and Irvine and we are concerned that he may have engaged in this behavior with other victims who may not have reported it to police," said Bingham.

The Orange County District Attorney's office has not commented on the case.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Irvine Police Department or email Det. Nate Ridlon at nridlon@cityofirvine.org.