Burbank Father and Son Arrested on Sex Charges

Police arrested the 82-year-old patriarch of a prominent Burbank family Friday for having unlawful sex with a minor and rearrested his 56-year-old son on charges of pandering, threatening a witness and having sex with underage girls, Burbank police said.

Anthony Mersola and his son, Michael A. Mersola, were arrested Friday morning at their residences in Burbank and Glendale, police Lt. Don Brown said.

Anthony Mersola is a well-known developer and the family owns millions of dollars worth of property in Burbank and Glendale, including several apartment complexes, a warehouse and a parking lot, according to records.

Anthony Mersola, released Friday morning after meeting his $10,000 bond, faces a charge of oral copulation with a minor, Brown said.

Michael Mersola, who remained in Burbank city jail Friday night in lieu of $500,000 bond, was arrested on a warrant charging him with pandering, threatening a witness and having unlawful intercourse with numerous underage girls, Brown said.

On July 15, police arrested Michael Mersola outside one of the family’s rental properties in Burbank for having sex with two girls, ages 14 and 15, Detective Craig Varner said.

Police made the arrest after detectives interviewed the alleged victims, Varner said.

Michael Mersola was freed July 16 when he met his $70,000 bail.

But “since Michael’s release, we’ve turned up evidence of pandering and of his making threats to a witness,” Brown said. Michael Mersola is alleged to have threatened one of the minors with whom he is accused of having sex.

A woman who identified herself as Michael Mersola’s sister-in-law said the family would not comment on the charges, beyond saying, “People are innocent until proven guilty.”

The two men are scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning in Burbank Municipal Court.

Times staff writer Julie Tamaki contributed to this article.