Kat Piantka | Newsroom Manager & Head Editor
December 12, 2024
Frank Mogavero, owner and founder of Mogavero Orthodontics, a Southern California practice, was arrested for the alleged molestation of a minor on October 16, 2024. However, the Orange County DA office recently released this news to the public. KTLA 5 reports he has been charged with five felony counts, for “lewd act[s] upon a child under the age of 14, and one felony count of possession of child pornography.” The molestation began when the minor was four years old. The alleged molestations occurred from 2013 to 2020 in Orange County and Mono County. Four of the incidents took place when the victim was between the ages of 11 and 12 where he was “repeatedly” touched inappropriately.
Mogavero’s preliminary and bail review hearing before a court was on December 9, 2024.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer addressed the Southern California community and those who have attended the Mogavero Orthodontist practices in Mammoth Lakes, San Clemente, and San Diego. The DA declares that “[he] will continue to do everything [he] can to continue to protect children from the monsters who seek to prey on them.”
The news of the sexual assault has taken San Clemente citizens by storm, as many teenagers and children went to Mogavero Orthodontist and were shocked that a doctor who was in nearby proximity to their child for years on end could be convicted of such a serious crime. People who have endorsed him in the past are now in disbelief that they have financially supported and advocated for this now criminal.
Senior Grace Pratt who formerly attended Mogavero Orthodontics believed “he was always professional and did his job well.” She was shocked to hear this news but is still “happy with [her] results [and experience].” Clearly, patients did not know Frank Mogavero on a personal level.
James Lockwood, a junior at SCHS and former Vista Del Mar attendee, was equally as astounded at the news of Dr. Mogavero’s arrest since “It’s someone in our town” not only a father but “a respected orthodontist.” This case serves as a reminder that even people “who work with kids [are capable of doing] something like this.”
If 63-year-old Frank Mogavero is convicted of these charges he could be sentenced from 8 months to 16 years in prison without bail, it is safe to say that Mogavero Orthodontics could potentially lose many patients in all three locations once this news is widely spread. San Clemente residents are certain to turn to other local practices such as Olsen, Brandon, and Redmond as many adults and children do not feel comfortable being in the establishment of a child predator. One could also wonder who will take his place or if his practices will go out of business.
The DA is not going to release the victim’s identity or his relationship with Frank Mogavero, but to the relief of many, he was not a patient.
This case emphasizes the unfortunate realities that children face every day in our world. The Mogavero case reminds adults and children that a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ could be a respected member of your community, so it is important to be alert and never let your guard down.
The Orange County DA and local news stations will continue to update the status of Frank Mogavero’s trial and sentence in the coming weeks.
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