Man Posing as Officer Molests Girl : Crime: Police search for the attacker, who showed a badge to the victim’s immigrant parents to gain entrance into the home.

A man who told a 7-year-old girl he was a police officer to gain entrance to her house and then molested her in her bedroom is being sought by Glendale police.

The man, described as middle-aged, balding and overweight, with blue eyes and a large mole on his left ear, was allowed to enter the girl’s home after showing her immigrant parents a police badge, authorities said Saturday.

The girl was playing on the front porch of her home on the 600 block of South Louise Street about 5 p.m. March 21 when a man in his 50s walked up to her and asked if she lived there, police said.

When she said yes, the man knocked on the front door and told her parents that he was investigating a report of child abuse concerning the girl and was referred by the city’s Department of Children’s Services, said Sgt. Sue Hodgman.

The man said he would need to speak with the girl in private and took her to her bedroom. Once inside the girl’s room, police said the man ordered the girl to remove her clothes then fondled and molested her.

After a few hours, the parents heard the girl crying and opened the bedroom door. They told police they found the girl lying on the bed next to the man. The man told the parents he was finished and promptly left.

The parents then called police.

“The parents did not speak English very well,” Hodgman said. “They trusted that the man was telling the truth.”

Hodgman said although the incident appears to be isolated at this time, the public should check for proper credentials and identification of law enforcement officers.

“There is no problem with the police officer if a person wants to call the agency and verify who the person is,” Hodgman said.

Police are seeking the public’s help in capturing the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call 818-548-4840.