Police Seek Victims of Photographer/Tumbling Coach Accused of Molestation

A photographer who also teaches children’s tumbling classes was behind bars today on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage girl and possession of child pornography, and authorities said there may be additional victims.

Christopher A. Brown, 42, of Irvine was being held in lieu of $500,000 bail, according to jail records.

He was arrested at a Newport Beach shopping center and booked Friday on suspicion of making and possessing child pornography, digital penetration and oral copulation with a child and failure to register as a sex offender, according to Orange County sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Hallock.

Investigators suspect there may be more alleged victims as Brown also teaches private tumbling lessons for children and has traveled the country working as a freelance photographer, Hallock said.

Investigators recovered hundreds of child porn photos and videos when a search warrant was executed at a hotel in Irvine where Brown had been staying, Hallock alleged.

Detectives suspect Brown targets teenage girls, the lieutenant said.

Brown has a conviction in 2005 in Virginia for possession of child pornography, and failed to register as a sex offender in California when he moved into the state several years ago, Hallock said.

City News Service