GAINESVILLE - Hall County authorities have arrested a Clermont man on allegations he used his business to have inappropriate sexual contact with a minor.
Authorities arrested Leon Messerlian, 85, on July 29, on charges of child molestation, felony sexual battery, and enticing a child for indecent purposes, according to the sheriff's office.
Messerlian was the focus of an approximately month long investigation. Authorities said Merrserlian's business is Oxford Academy of Classical Studies.
Authorities arrested Leon Messerlian, 85, on July 29, on charges of child molestation, felony sexual battery, and enticing a child for indecent purposes, according to the sheriff's office.
Messerlian was the focus of an approximately month long investigation. Authorities said Merrserlian's business is Oxford Academy of Classical Studies.
"This was just his lone business, I understand. He's been in business for the last 14 years here in Hall County," Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes said.
Investigators asked that anyone with information on Messerlian contact the Hall County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (770) 531-6879.
Investigators asked that anyone with information on Messerlian contact the Hall County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (770) 531-6879.
"He had access to multiple children, and this was a student of his that came forward, so we want to cover our bases and make sure that we don't have any other children or adults for that matter that could be victims," Bailes said.
Messerlian was being held without bond in the Hall County Jail. A committal hearing for Messerlian is scheduled Friday at 9:00 a.m.
