http://news.yahoo.com/s/ibsys/20050707/lo_kprc/2811180

LULAC Official Accused Of Fondling Girl, 9
Thu Jul 7, 8:25 AM ET



A council president with the League of United Latin American Citizens was charged with fondling a child during a party at a home in northwest Houston, Local 2 reported Wednesday.

The suspect, 61-year-old John Cedillo, was charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact after a 9-year-old girl accused him of molesting her at a party at a home in the 4000 block of Black Locust on May 26.

Cedillo was arrested without incident at his home in the 1000 block of West Gardner in northwest Houston on July 1.

The child told her mother immediately after the assault occurred. Her mother then alerted authorities.

As officers investigated the girl's claims, they learned Cedillo was a convicted child molester -- convicted of indecency with a child in 1984. The victim was an 8-year-old. During that time, he was also a volunteer with LULAC. Cedillo was recently appointed president of one of LULAC's local councils.

LULAC officials said there is no indication that he used the organization to meet children, but police investigators said they heard differently.

"From someone that I interviewed -- he had asked their daughter to be involved on the float for the parade," HPD officer Michelle Gallagher said.

Investigators released a picture of Cedillo Wednesday afternoon with hope that more possible victims will come forward.

"He does have contact with children and he's been convicted before for the same offense," Gallagher said.

Victims or anyone with information about Cedillo is asked to contact the Houston Police Department's Sex Crimes Division at (713) 731-5335.

Cedillo is being held on a $200,000 bond.

LULAC's Statement

LULAC's president, Enrique "Rick" Dovalina, released the following statement Wednesday.

"The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization. For over 75 years, LULAC has been at the forefront of battles for civil and human rights including the rights of our children. We express our concern and sympathy to the family of the alleged victim of the tragic personal events, which have come to light recently. We hope and believe that justice will be done regarding this matter.

"Our organization is composed of many local councils consisting of many volunteer members that carry out the great work of LULAC -- fighting for civil rights, providing scholarships, advancing cultural awareness, promoting education, advocating voter registration and other numerous activities. The LULAC district provided over $60,000 in scholarships last year.

"While this tragedy involves an individual who is a volunteer member of our organization, it should be seen for what it is -- a personal tragedy. We have yet to hear of any linkage of this individual's conduct and LULAC or LULAC activities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by this personal tragedy and we stand ready to assist in any investigation of this matter."