SC Kids' Book Author Faces New Child Sex Charges

Michael William Snyder, 44, a children’s book author from San Clemente, is facing new charges of sexually assaulting a young girl.

Prosecutors said they would formally charge Snyder on Friday. He already faces charges for allegedly .

According to a press release from the district attorney’s office, the new victim—who was 9 at the time of the alleged assault—came forward with her family after

Snyder was a friend of the second girl’s family, the release said.

According to prosecutors, “Between Jan. 1, 2008, and Sept. 7, 2010, the defendant is accused having [the girl] in his San Clemente home before taking her to Sea World and orally copulating her."

The other alleged victim was a 12-year-old relative of Snyder, authorities said. "Between June 2010 and March 2011, Snyder is accused of ... rubbing her chest and stomach under her shirt on several occasions with a sexual intent and instructing her not to tell anyone," prosecutors said. "He is accused of having the victim sit on his lap and putting his hands up her shirt with the intent to sexually arouse himself or the child.”

If convicted on all counts, Snyder faces a maximum 30 years to life in state prison. He is in custody on $1 million bail.

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. Anyone with additional information should contact District Attorney Investigator Lou Gutierrez at 714-347-8794.