Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski, a male nanny from Costa Mesa, has been found guilty of sexually abusing sixteen children. The conviction came after a monthlong trial in a Santa Ana courtroom, where prosecutors presented video evidence of the abuse that Zakrzewski had created himself. In addition to the molestation charges, he was also found guilty of showing pornography to one of the children. The Orange County Superior Court jury deliberated for several hours before reaching their verdict.
Zakrzewski, 34, faces a potential sentence of up to 690 years to life in prison, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The youngest victim was only 2 or 3 years old at the time of the abuse. Zakrzewski had gained the trust of the children’s parents by advertising his experience working with children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The arrest of Zakrzewski in May 2019 led to more families coming forward with accusations of sexual assault against their children. A search of his electronic devices revealed thousands of photos and videos that he had taken of the boys he was caring for. Prosecutors described Zakrzewski as meticulously recording his acts with the children.
During the trial, some parents quietly sobbed as the verdicts were read, while others shouted for Zakrzewski to be turned around as he was led out of the courtroom. Zakrzewski showed no visible reaction to the verdicts.
Zakrzewski is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17.
