SACRAMENTO—A Sacramento man who was arrested in April on lewd acts with a child under 14 and other child molestation charges is facing new charges as he sits in Sacramento County Jail.
Records show Michael John Leonard had been arrested on Sunday, April 26 at 3:20 in the afternoon. He was picked up in midtown Sacramento at the Old Soul at The Weatherstone coffee shop on 21st street, about 10 miles from his residence in North Highlands. He was booked for the employment of a minor in the sale or distribution of obscene matter, and attempted child molestation.
Sacramento County Sheriff’s detectives said Leonard, 45, had extensive access to young children and teens in the Sacramento area by frequenting skating rinks, dance studios, water parks and gymnastic facilities.
This past weekend, another person came forward and said they had been molested by Leonard. Sacramento County Sheriff Spokesman Lisa Bowman said three victims have been identified so far. Detectives added an additional charge of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.
“That’s real scary, anything could happen,” said Keairra Golston, who lives a couple of doors down from Leonard’s last known address. “Nobody’s kid is safe. That’s real sad. That’s real disgusting to me.”
According to Sacramento Superior Court online records, Leonard has a history of prior convictions of assault and molestation of children, and is a registered sex offender. More than a decade ago, he was accused of manufacturing and distributing child pornography. Leonard had posted an ad on an Internet classified website looking for assistance with creating a video, which would reportedly involve minor children and result in the production of child pornography. His attorney at the time, Richard Hamlin, characterized Leonard as an artist who took photographs of children so he could draw them as nymphs and fairies. Those charges were eventually dropped.
His next court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday, August 11. His bail remains set at $4.6 million
Anyone who suspects Leonard of having had inappropriate contact with a child is asked to contact detectives or leave an anonymous tip at www.sacsheriff.com.
