Dance instructor accused of sexually assaulting young students, California cops say
A dance instructor was arrested in California on suspicion of sexually abusing former students, officials said.
David Silvas, 39, faces charges of assault with intent to commit rape, sexual assault of a child under 14 years old and other felony offenses, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said in a press release.
Four women have made accusations of sexual assault against Silvas, and the sheriff’s department believes there are additional victims and witnesses, according to the release.
The sheriff’s department did not list an attorney who could comment on Silvas’ behalf.
Nearly two years ago, in July 2020, a 30-year-old woman came to the sheriff’s department to accuse her former dance instructor, Silvas, of molesting her on several occasions, starting when she was 12 years old until she was 17, the release said.
The woman said the abuse happened in several places, including the Callahan Institute of the Arts in Encinitas, which is now closed, officials said.
The case was investigated by the sheriff’s department’s Child Abuse Unit, which found three additional victims who were between the ages of 13 and 16 at the time of alleged assault, the sheriff’s department said.
“The alleged assaults happened at dance studios, dance meets or competitions and house parties in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties from 2005 to 2014,” the release said.
Silvas was arrested at his home in Vista on Tuesday, June 21, according to the release.
Anyone with information is asked to call 858-285-6293 or to call anonymously at 888-580-8477.
This story was originally published June 23, 2022 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Dance instructor accused of sexually assaulting young students, California cops say."
