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  Man Facing Charges of Sexual Abuse
Glendale Resident Active with His Church Is Accused of Molesting Relatives Several Years Ago

By Chris Wiebe
Glendale News Press
November 9, 2007

http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articles/2007/11/09/publicsafety/gnp-arraign08.txt

GLENDALE — A Glendale man is being arraigned today in Burbank Superior Court on allegations that he sexually molested three local children over a 16-year period.

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office has filed 15 felony counts of sexual assault on a minor against 53-year-old Donald Allen, Glendale Police Officer John Balian said.

Police arrested Allen on Oct. 23 after an anonymous tip led officers to three victims whom Allen allegedly abused more than 10 years ago, he said.

At the time, the children were 6 to 13 years old, Glendale Police Det. Andy Pierovich said.

"We first located two victims, and then we learned of the identity of a third victim, spoke to that person and put the case together and took it to the district attorney," he said.

The alleged assaults took place at a private residence, he said. The victims, who are no longer minors, were relatives of Allen, but police would not specify their relation to protect their identities.

"The offenses occurred over a several-year period," he said.

The victims' testimony will be important in the case, Pierovich said.

Allen, who works in the medical field, has no prior criminal record. He also has a history of community service, volunteering at Holy Family Catholic Church and St. Dominick's Catholic Church in Eagle Rock for the past 12 years, Balian said.

The news has shaken clergy and parishioners at Holy Family, who are struggling to deal with the charges against a man who is well-known at the church, Pastor Joseph Shea said.

Church officials released a statement in the church bulletin sharing all available information about the case, as well as to parents of students at the school, he said. Shea is also planning to speak to a prayer group Friday that Allen regularly attended.

"The alleged abuse did not take place at Holy Family Church or School or St. Dominic's Church or School, nor did it involve children in our parish programs," he said.

Church officials are doing everything they can to help police obtain more information, he added.

"I'm shocked," he said. "We all know him, so it was a shock when we heard it from police."

Allen remains in police custody on $1.5 million bail. Police are asking anyone who may have information about Allen's activities to contact the Glendale Police Department at (818) 548-3106, or call the Crime Stoppers line at (818) 507-STOP. Crime Stoppers callers may remain anonymous.

CHRIS WIEBE covers public safety and the courts. He may be reached at (818) 637-3232 or by e-mail at chris.wiebe@ latimes.com

 
 

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