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30-year-old ‘manny’ jailed for allegedly molesting children

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A 30-year-old Southern California man who says he works as a “manny” for families with young children is facing four felony counts of sexual assault involving children under the age of 14 and 10.

Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski of Costa Mesa was arrested by Laguna Beach police this month after he arrived in Southern California on an international flight. Authorities did not disclose what country he was traveling from.

He was charged Tuesday with three counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, one count of oral copulation of a child under 10 and one count of possessing child pornography.

Zakzewski was in jail Thursday on $1 million bail, and jail records did not reveal if he had an attorney. He is scheduled to appear in court May 31.

Zakzewski describes himself on his website as a “manny” who relates well to children and serves them as a “buddy, big brother, role model, mentor.”

He says he has six years of babysitting experience. His qualifications include certified lifeguard and first-aid training.

“I think the reason I connect easily with kids is because I am not just there to supervise, I participate,” he said.

Police began investigating after a couple told them he had inappropriately touched their 8-year-old.

Zakzewski has worked as a nanny for families throughout Southern California, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said.

Laguna Beach police are continuing to investigate and asked for the public’s help in locating any other potential victims.

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