Performer Held on Molestation Charges
Police have arrested a street performer suspected of molesting a 5-year-old girl twice within the past two weeks.
Ronald Mark Cribbs, 39, of Avalon reportedly molested the girl July 21 in Orange and a second time July 31 in Newport Beach, said Police Sgt. Andy Gonis. The girl’s mother reported incidents to police Sunday, Gonis said.
Cribbs befriended the victim’s mother in early July, when he was playing piano near the Newport Pier, Gonis said. The girl’s mother occasionally left her daughter with Cribbs while she went to work, he said.
Investigators believe Cribbs may have molested other children, Gonis added.
“He was playing piano at Newport Pier, attracting crowds,” Gonis said. “Perhaps he had become acquainted with other single parents” and their children.
After his arrest Thursday, Cribbs was held in Newport Beach City Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail, Gonis said.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
