Maralan’s alleged victim count now up to 11
The Sirous & Sons Rug Gallery manager accused of sexually assaulting several women in his Laguna Beach store may face additional charges as more victims come forward.
Saeid Boustanabadi Maralan, 53, was arrested twice in early September on 10 charges that include forcible rape, sexual battery by restraint, false imprisonment, penetration with a foreign object, attempted forcible oral copulation, and a misdemeanor charge of indecent exposure.
Maralan’s pretrial hearing was scheduled for Thursday.
Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Robert Rahaeuser said the police now have 11 alleged victims total.
About two weeks ago, a 47-year-old woman came forward and alleged she was a victim of false imprisonment and sexual battery by Maralan in June 2009, according to Rahaeuser.
A 45-year-old woman reported to police in the last month that in August 2007 Maralan exposed himself and attempted to rape her at his store.
A 52-year-old woman reported that she was sexually assaulted by Maralan in his store in 2009.
Another 51-year-old woman alleged that she was falsely imprisoned by Maralan in 2009.
Rahaeuser said all 11 women are willing to prosecute.
Maralan was first arrested Sept. 1 for sexually assaulting three women and distributing pornography to a 17-year-old girl. The second arrest Sept. 14 was spurred by allegations from three out of six additional victims, Lt. Jason Kravetz has said.
All the reports have been written and submitted to the district attorney’s office, but Rahaeuser said he cannot estimate when all the charges will be filed.
As of right now, at least eight of the victims’ charges have been filed, he said.
Maralan is currently in custody in Orange County Jail, where he has been since his last arrest. His bail is set at $2 million.
Twitter: @joannaclay