A beloved child care service provider, aged 34, has been accused of molesting 17 boys, ranging in age from 2 to 14, over a span of five years. The prosecutor presented shocking details to the jury, revealing that the defendant would engage in nude play with these children. However, the defense attorney urged the jurors to approach the case with an open mind and refrain from rushing to judgment.
Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski, residing in Costa Mesa, is facing 34 felony sex charges related to these 17 victims between 2014 and 2019, as stated by Deputy District Attorney Juliet Oliver.
“The families believed he could be trusted,” Oliver explained. “They believed he would protect their children, serve as an exceptional child care provider, and had thoroughly vetted him. He portrayed himself as highly experienced in child care, possessing CPR training, and having undergone background checks.”
In addition, Zakrzewski highlighted his work with children having behavioral disabilities, further enhancing his reputation, according to the prosecutor.
“Prepare yourself to learn how the defendant, under the guise of providing superior child care, committed horrendous acts against these children,” declared Oliver.
One of the victims was only 2 to 3 years old at the time of the alleged incidents, while another was between 13 to 14 years old. The majority of the victims fell within the 6 to 9-year-old range, according to Oliver.
Out of the 17 victims, they come from 16 different families, with two sets of twins, the prosecutor disclosed.
Oliver stated that some parents were enticed to hire Zakrzewski due to positive reviews from other families.
However, behind closed doors, “the defendant encouraged naked play and participated in such behavior with the children,” Oliver revealed.
The jury will have the opportunity to witness interviews between the children and social workers, discussing the alleged misconduct, according to Oliver.
“Some victims will describe these events without even realizing that they were being subjected to something wrong,” Oliver added.
The first accuser’s mother, who alerted the authorities in May 2019, testified that her realization came after knowing someone else who had been a victim of child abuse. After questioning her son, she felt alarmed and decided to approach the police.
Oliver said, “It was this incident that exposed the entire facade.”
Another boy reported the abuse to the Los Angeles police, although he initially hesitated to disclose everything to the social workers. Upon further investigation, additional details emerged, Oliver informed the court.
Zakrzewski, who was out of the country during the police search at his residence, was apprehended at Los Angeles International Airport, recounted Oliver. The examination of his phone led to the discovery of incriminating videos involving other alleged victims, which will be presented as evidence during the trial, she continued.
“I understand that this trial will be emotionally challenging,” acknowledged Oliver.
Jennifer Ryan, the defense attorney from the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, urged the jurors to assess the evidence with a clinical and precise approach.
“Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint,” Ryan advised. “Do not rush to judgment.”
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