A former Diocese of Orange County musician has been booked on suspicion of molesting an underage girl, sheriff’s officials said Friday.
Michael Medeiros, 34, of Lake Forest, was arrested Tuesday and released from jail Wednesday when he posted bail, according to jail records. He listed his occupation as drummer.
Medeiros was booked on suspicion of two felony counts of child molestation, beginning in 2018, according to Carrie Braun, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Medeiros was fired from the Diocese of Orange in February when church officials were told of the allegations. Diocese of Orange officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The suspect, who has not been charged, worked for the Diocese since 2006 at Mission basilica San Juan Capistrano, Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ladera Ranch, San Francisco Solano Catholic Church Rancho Santa Margarita and Kid Row Rehearsals in Los Angeles, Braun said. He also participated in ministry retreats for Santa Margarita Catholic High School and Junipero Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano.
The victim was under 14 and was known to the suspect, Braun said. Investigators did not want to be more specific about the girl’s age.
Investigators suspect there may be more victims and asked anyone with information to call 714-647-7419. Orange County Crime Stoppers will accept anonymous tips at (855) TIP-OCCS.