A Hollywood man accused of being the “Mid-City Molester” was convicted by a jury on March 25 of multiple crimes that may send him to prison for the rest of his life. The defendant, Daniel Merino, 45, kidnapped and sexually assaulted four girls over a two-year period between Feb. 29, 2008, and Nov. 4, 2009. The crimes primarily occurred in the East Hollywood and Mid-City areas.

District Attorney Bradley McCartt, of the Sex Crimes Division, said the jury deliberated five hours before convicting Merino of four counts of kidnapping for child molestation, three counts of lewd act upon a child and one count of attempted lewd act upon a child.  The jury found him not guilty of a single count of possession of child pornography.

The defendant waited on the street for young girls who were walking to elementary school. He approached the victims, who were alone, and asked for their help in getting his daughter to school. McCartt said the defendant took each of the victims to nearby apartment buildings, claiming his daughter was inside. Instead, the victims were molested and in some cases photographed.

Police were able to identify the defendant’s car, which was captured on a surveillance video. Using new technology that allows law enforcement officers to scan license plates, Merino’s vehicle was located and he was ultimately identified by the victims, McCartt said.

All four victims, who were between the ages of eight and 10 when attacked, testified at trial. McCartt said a surveillance video that led to Merino’s identification and arrest also was shown the jury. Merino has remained jailed on $4.4 million bail since his arrest on Jan. 29, 2010. The defendant faces 20 years in state prison plus three 25-year-to-life sentences when he is sentenced on April 14.