Church bans TV host ‘Mr. Wonder’ over sex abuse allegations
A man accused of sexually abusing children during a camping trip nearly four decades ago when he known as the TV show host “Mr. Wonder” has been banned from contacting children by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A church spokesman said Thursday that Frank Szeles, as he was known in the San Diego area, was “removed from all positions related to children” after failing to comply with the church’s child protection policies.
The spokesman, Eric Hawkins, says a parent later expressed “a generalized concern” about the suspect’s behavior toward a child and the church urged the parent to report it to authorities.
The suspect’s attorney, Marc Carlos, says the allegations weren’t serious enough to be referred to police.
ALSO
Stolen bike returned to Burbank boy with cerebral palsy
LAPD detective is accused of intimidating and threatening her ex-boyfriend
Woman arrested on suspicion of helping trio escape from Orange County jail
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.