Crime & Safety
Trial Postponed for Kids' Book Author Accused of Lewd Acts
Michael William Snyder is set to face a jury next month.
A children's book author accused of lewd acts with a child is set to face a jury Nov. 16.
Monday was the second time the trial for Michael William Snyder of San Clemente was postponed.
Snyder was first arrested in March 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.
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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, still in custody, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Find out what's happening in San Clementewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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.
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