Former Nanny Convicted on Multiple Charges, Faces Potential Life Sentence
A male nanny, Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski, found guilty of 34 felonies this week, may be sentenced to life in prison. These charges stem from his molestation of 16 boys between the ages of 2 and 12, displaying explicit material to a 17th victim, and producing his own child pornography. The case was prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney.
An investigation into Zakrzewski, 34, commenced in May 2019, after a Laguna Beach family reported the molestation of their 8-year-old son. The subsequent probe, aided by video evidence and public tips, revealed numerous additional victims abused between 2014 and 2019.
Laguna Beach Police Sergeant Jim Cota expressed his team’s dedication to this disturbing case: “It was actually sickening to me and the rest of the detectives – we put all of our focus into this investigation.”
Zakrzewski now faces a potential prison term of 690 years to life, with an additional eight years. His bail was set at $1 million, according to charging documents reviewed by Fox News Digital.
Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski, 34, was convicted of 34 felonies for molesting 16 young boys, often filming the encounters, and showing pornography to a 17th.
Deputy District Attorney Juliet Oliver described Zakrzewski as a “mastermind at preying upon these families, not just grooming the children but grooming the parents” during closing arguments.
Zakrzewski was a founder of the “Sitter Buddy” website, where Orange County parents could find caregivers. He presented himself as a “manny” offering mentorships, big brother relationships, and babysitting services for overnight and vacations. He emphasized his skills with children with special needs and behavioral issues.
The now-removed profile featured Zakrzewski shirtless and smiling alongside young boys in a pool. Reviews characterized him as a “wonderful caregiver” who brought joy to families.
Ultimately, Zakrzewski was convicted of 34 felony charges, including lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14, oral copulation of a child under 10, possession of child pornography, using a minor for sexual acts, distributing pornography to a minor, and attempted lewd and lascivious acts with a minor.
Sentencing for Zakrzewski is scheduled for November 17 at Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, California, where he may face life imprisonment.
Numerous victims suffered multiple incidents of abuse. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed his outrage at the betrayal of trust, stating, “Instead, he preyed on these innocent boys and violated that trust in a vile and sadistic way.”
Deputy District Attorney Juliet Oliver recounted that some victims genuinely cared for the defendant, enduring the abuse without realizing it was wrong. In one case, a 7-year-old victim was left in tears when he learned that his “friend, buddy, mentor” would no longer be his babysitter.
The prosecutor pointed out Zakrzewski’s extensive documentation of his crimes and how he regarded it as a “treasure, like some sort of medal.”
As of now, Zakrzewski’s attorney has not provided any comments on the case.