Molestation accusation against Downtown Disney worker prompts search for other potential victims

A 45-year-old man who worked at Downtown Disney is accused of molesting a boy in a mall bathroom and authorities think there may be more victims.

Richard Camarena pleaded not guilty Thursday morning to charges of lewd acts upon a child. He is due back in court Aug. 15.

According to prosecutors, on July 8, Camarena forced his way into a bathroom stall where a 9-year-old boy had gone to use the restroom after stepping out from a movie inside the Puente Hills Mall in the City of Industry.

Camarena molested the boy, who struggled and escaped, authorities allege. The boy told his family, who then notified law enforcement.

Camarena was arrested at his mother’s home in Claremont on Saturday about 8:30 p.m.

Sgt. Al Fraijo of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau said that Camarena is single and was employed at Disneyland before his arrest. He does not have a criminal history, and he did not resist arrest.

“He was extremely cooperative,” Fraijo said.

According to KTLA-TV Channel 5, Camarena worked in a retail store at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, a shopping and entertainment center next to the amusement park. He was placed on administrative leave, the company told KTLA.

The Sheriff’s Department is asking for assistance finding any other victims. Anyone with information regarding additional victims or incidents is asked to call the Special Victims Bureau at (877) 710-5273.

Camarena is being held on $100,000 bail.

Los Angeles Times staff writer Erica Evans contributed to this report.

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