COSTA MESA (KNX) — A Costa Mesa music teacher accused of sexually assaulting two young girls for years was out on bond Wednesday as authorities asked for the public’s help in identifying any additional victims.
Anthony “Tony” Philip Bruccoliere, 49, has been charged with one dozen felonies in connection to the alleged sexual assault of the girls, beginning when the victims were just 4 and 5 years old.
Bruccoliere has been charged with four felony counts of a forcible lewd act upon a child under 14, one felony count of sexual penetration with a child 10 years or younger, five felony counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and two felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts upon a child under 14, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Bruccoliere was arrested Feb. 11 by Costa Mesa police after two teenage girls reported that he had molested them multiple times over a period of years.
Bruccoliere is accused of molesting the girls in numerous locations, including his music studio, between 2008 and 2019, officials said.
“This man has become a parent’s worst nightmare by preying on innocent young girls,” said O.C. District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The years of trauma these girls were forced to endure is unspeakable. The pain and suffering of sexual assault doesn’t just end when the physical attack is over; the psychological damage continues throughout the victims’ entire life. I will do everything in my power under the law to keep this monster behind bars and ensure he is no longer able to hurt another child.”
Bruccoliere faces a maximum sentence of 180 years to life if convicted on all counts. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday.
Authorities believe Bruccoliere’s occupation as a music teacher and his access to children may have resulted in other children being sexually assaulted.
Anyone who may have additional information regarding this case or potential victims is asked to contact Costa Mesa Police Det. Alicia DeFuria at (714) 754-5364 or adefuria@costamesaca.gov or Sgt. Jose Morales at (714) 754-4893.
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