Former Archdiocese of O.C. musician arrested on suspicion of lewd acts with a minor

SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 13, 2020): Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail investigators arrested a man suspected of committing multiple lewd acts on an underage girl beginning in 2018.

Michael Medeiros, 34, of Lake Forest, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of felony child molestation. Medeiros previously worked for the Archdiocese Orange County and was fired in February 2020 after the church was notified about the allegations.

Medeiros has worked full-time as a musician for the Archdiocese Orange County since 2006 at the following locations: Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, Holy Trinity Catholic Church Ladera Ranch, San Francisco Solano Catholic Church Rancho Santa Margarita and Kid Row Rehearsals in Los Angeles. He also attended ministry retreats for Santa Margarita Catholic High School and Junipero Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano and gave private lessons.

Due to Medeiros having continued access and contact with children over the past 14 years, investigators believe there may additional victims.

Medeiros was known to the victim who was under the age of 14 when the molestation occurred.

Please contact the Special Victims Detail at (714) 647-7419 if you have any information. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.