Trial Set for Kids' Book Author Accused of Child Molesting

An Aug. 13 jury trial is set for Michael William Snyder, 44, of San Clemente who stands accused of lewd acts on two young girls.

According to court records, Snyder is in custody in the Theo Lacy jail on a $1 million bond.

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.

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.

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