Police: Camp Counselor Nicknamed 'Jolly' Sexually Abused Girl

A man who worked as a counselor at a Bethesda camp – and used the nickname “Jolly” to teach magic lessons to girls -- has been charged with sex abuse.

Montgomery County Police have arrested Jose Luis Casumbal Valenzuela, 43, of the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C. Authorities say Valenzuela had inappropriate contact with an 11-year-old girl while he worked as a counselor at the Holton-Arms Creative Summer camp in Bethesda.

According to its website, the camp is offered by Holton Arms School, a college prep school for girls in grades 3-12.

Between June 30 and July 3, the girl attended the summer camp at the school, 7303 River Road in Bethesda.

The victim told police that Valenzuela, known to the children as “Jolly,” taught magic classes and would touch her inappropriately during the lessons. Valenzuela has been an employee and in charge of teaching magic classes at the camp since the summer of 2012, police said.

He was arrested Friday and charged with one count of third-degree sex offense and one count of sex abuse of a minor.

Anyone who believes that they were a victim of inappropriate contact with Valenzuela or has information is asked to call police at 240-773-5460.

»Photo: Jose Luis Casumbal Valenzuela, courtesy of Montgomery County Police