Sex Offender Accused Of Lewd Acts On Young Child In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — A 70-year-old man was jailed Wednesday, accused of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old child in Temecula. The man, identified as William Hammond of Menifee, is a registered sex offender, records show.

Temecula police were notified of allegations involving Hammond and the young child on Feb. 17, according to the sheriff's department. Authorities quickly "began an investigation of lewd acts that were performed on a 7-year-old child at a residence located on the 44000 block of Cabo Street in Temecula."

On Tuesday, the investigation culminated with the arrest of Hammond on suspicion of lewd acts on a child, officials said. Police also searched his Menifee home, but did not disclose what they found.

Hammond was ultimately booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center in French Valley on four felony charges, according to booking records. He was being held without bail.

Police say Hammond worked as a self-employed piano teacher and tutor in the region up until 2015, when he retired. They asked that may anyone with information about the man or this case to call the Temecula Police Station 951-696-3000.

The California Megan's Law website indicates Hammond was convicted in 1983 of lewd acts on a minor.

— Image via Riverside County Sheriff's Department