The jury trial for a San Clemente children's book author accused of lewd acts on two girls in 2011 was pushed back Monday by two weeks, to Oct. 29.
Michael William Snyder was first arrested in March of 2011 on suspicion of running his hands up the shirt of a 12-year-old female relative "with the intent to sexually arouse himself or the child" several times since June 2010, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Snyder is a friend of the family of the second girl involved in the case. After media coverage of his arrest, she accused Snyder of orally couplating with her at Sea World, "between Jan. 1, 2008, and Sept. 7, 2010," prosecutors said in September of last year.
Snyder, 45, pleaded "not guilty" to all charges. He is now in the Theo Lacy Facility; he had initially posted bond, but was arrested again after he allegedly violated a restraining order by contacting one of the girls' families, charges to which he also pleaded "not guilty."
If convicted on all counts, Snyder faces a maximum 30 years to life in state prison.
In addition to writing books, Snyder contracted with the California Department of Developmental Services to do in-home visits with disabled children in Orange County.
