Authorities Ask Public's Help in Finding Molestation Suspect

Los Angeles police detectives today sought a 53- year-old married photographer accused of molesting at least four girls younger than 15 during quinceanera photography sessions.

Gilardo Vadillo Nunez of Panorama City is accused of molesting the girls during quinceaneras, said Los Angeles Police Lt. Paul Vernon, head of Mission Station detectives.

According to Vernon, the families of the four victims contracted with Hollywood Photos and Videos to photograph their daughters quinceaneras. The company was run by Nunez an his wife. And Nunez allegedly would video himself touching the victims as the girls posed in his yellow Humvee, license 5CUK746.

The alleged molestations usually occurred at Brand Park in Mission Hills, just east of the Golden State (5) Freeway, according to Vernon. And Nunez's wife often was present but claimed she knew nothing about the molestations and was not implicated in any of the alleged crimes. 

"It's sad and maddening that this man used his victim's quinceanera as a way to find his victims," Vernon said. "Nunez's own video, taken inside the Hummer is our best evidence in one case."

In a search of Nunez's home, police found a hidden closet, in which computers and memory cards from cameras were stored away from his other photography equipment, Vernon said.

"These items are undergoing forensic analysis and we expect to find other victims," Vernon said, adding that Nunez is well known in the San Fernando Valley for photographing quinceaneras over the last five years.

Nunez was described as 5-feet-5 inches, with a medium build and receding hairline.

A judge issued an arrest warrant, charging Nunez with a felony lewd act on a child and carrying $1 million bail, Vernon said.

Anyone with more information as to whereabouts was asked to call detectives Nicole Kittle at (818) 838-9975 or Marc Madero at (818) 838-9969. Tipsters can also call Crimestoppers at (800) 222-8477. All tips can be anonymously.

-- City News Service