A self-employed Hollywood child star agent who, on his company website, said he prides himself on his ability to communicate with his young clientele, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of molesting one of his clients.
Martin Weiss was charged with eight felony counts - two counts of lewd acts with a child, one count of forced lewd acts with a child, two counts of continuous lewd acts with a child and three counts of sodomy with a child, according to LAPD Detective Fernando Avila.
Police are looking into the possibility of more victims.
"He has had a lot of contact with other children, so there's going to be potential for more victims," Avila said.
The now 18-year-old alleged victim, who was an aspiring singer and musician formerly represented by Weiss, told police on Nov. 17 that he was forced to have sex with Weiss about 30 to 40 times during a three-year period from 2005 to 2008, until he was 15 years old.
Weiss told the victim that what they were doing was common practice in the entertainment industry, said police.
Police arrested 47-year-old Weiss after searching his apartment in Santa Monica, where he lives and runs his business.
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The victim told police the assault took place at Weiss’ apartment and another residence in Woodland Hills.
Weiss’ company, Martin Weiss Management represents at least 28 child actors, who are listed on its website. The company said it also works with established stars in the horror film genre, although it said it is best known for representing young actors.
"Weiss was in a trusted position, so parents may be more inclined to trust him," Avila said. "Whether or not we have any other victims, at this time, we just don't know."
There was no answer when NBC LA called the company phone number Thursday.
Weiss was still in custody on Thursday. His bail is set at $800,000. If convicted on all counts, Weiss could be sentenced to 80 years in prison, according to police.
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