Former Long Beach Mormon church member arrested for sexually molesting teenage boys

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A 55-year-old man suspected of sexually molesting several teenage boys at his Mormon church and boys' youth organization in Long Beach beginning in the 1970s has been arrested.

Daniel Montoya was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona without incident on Oct. 6, after being tracked down by Long Beach police detectives.

In 1986, Montoya pled guilty to molesting two teenage boys who were members of his Long Beach church. He was subsequently sentenced to three years of probation, ordered to attend psychotherapy treatment and register as a sex offender.

After his conviction, Montoya moved to Phoenix, where he failed to register as a sex offender.

Most recently, in April, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported new cases of sexual assault to Long Beach police. The latest victims did not come forward initially because they were allegedly embarrassed.

One of the victims, now an adult, only disclosed the events after Montoya called the victim and asked about the victim's 8-year-old child. Four other victims, also now adults, were identified.

Montoya faces three counts of sexual assault-related charges. He was being held on $1.25 million bail.

Detectives believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Long Beach Sexual Assault Investigation Detective Jennifer Kearns at (562) 570-5514.