Convicted Molester Facing New Charges

A convicted child molester faces two new counts of molestation after he allegedly fondled several children last weekend at an Oxnard movie theater, authorities said Wednesday.

In addition, Oxnard resident James Angel Carmona, 54, is accused of violating state law by not notifying police of his move from Ventura to Oxnard, according to Deputy Dist. Atty. Linda Groberg.

Carmona, who is unemployed, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of fondling children inside the Esplanade Cinemas at The Esplanade shopping center, said Police Det. Melinda Morter.

Leona Freeman, general manager of the theater, said theater staff contacted security after being made aware of a possible molestation during an evening screening of the movie “Flubber.”

“One of my managers was approached by a girl who said there was a man who was touching children,” Freeman said.

According to Freeman, the children identified Carmona.

“The girls said he asked them for their phone numbers and where they live,” Freeman said.

The manager who spoke with the children notified mall security, who called police.

Oxnard police officers arrested Carmona at the theater at 10 p.m. Saturday, and booked him on suspicion of child annoyance, Morter said.

Prosecutors filed two counts of felony child molestation against Carmona on Wednesday. He is also being charged with failing to adhere to a requirement that sex offenders identify their whereabouts to authorities.

Groberg said Carmona moved from his home on Ventura Avenue to a residence in Oxnard without notifying police in each town.

Investigators are searching for other children who may have come in contact with Carmona at the theater Saturday night. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Oxnard police at (805) 385-8174.

A preliminary hearing for Carmona is set for Feb. 3. He is being held in County Jail on $10,000 bail.