Man Charged with Molesting
Children in Arizona Library
Police have charged El Mirage (Ariz.) Public Library regular Juan Carlos Aguilar, 35, with molesting at least nine girls ranging in age from 4 to 10 in El Mirage and Glendale—five of whom were allegedly attacked in late June at the library. One 10-year-old said that Aguilar molested her at one of the library’s computers and then followed her to a library table where he continued to molest her.
Dozens of children are enrolled in summer programs at the one-room library facility adjacent to a senior center and youth center. Aguilar pleaded innocent to the charges in court on July 22, according to the July 24 Arizona Republic.
Library and public officials have made policy changes as a result of the charges. Children younger than 8 will have to be accompanied by an adult to visit the library, and both staffing and police presence have been increased in the community-center complex. In addition, law enforcement officials made presentations to children and parents about how to protect themselves.
Aguilar lived on the streets, did odd jobs, and slept at the Oasis of Christian Love homeless shelter from time to time. Shelter Director Daniel Loustanau told the Republic that Aguilar was known there as a helpful person who was always willing to lend a hand with the children.
Posted July 29, 2002.
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