Report leads to arrest of former church music director

Costa Mesa police have arrested a former church music director on suspicion of sexual misconduct with a female member of the church, who complained to authorities a month ago that he attacked her nearly 13 years ago when she was a teenager.

Albert Lee Schildknecht, 56, of Laguna Niguel was arrested Thursday on two counts of oral copulation and one count of digital penetration of a minor and booked at Costa Mesa Jail. He was later released on $100,000 bail.

Sgt. Bob Phillips said police arrested Schildknecht on the basis of physical evidence and statements provided by his accuser, a 28-year-old woman who lives in south Orange County. The woman, whose name was withheld, said Schildknecht had sexual relations with her while she was a choir student at St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church in Laguna Niguel.

The alleged incidents occurred at a choir practice facility in Costa Mesa, according to Sgt. Marty Carver.

Phillips said his department and prosecutors were asking others to come forward if they claimed to have been mistreated by Schildknecht.

“At this point, we have not been able to locate any other victims,” Phillips said. “We’ve followed up on some leads, but those have not been fruitful, and that’s why we’re asking for the public’s help.”

Schildknecht’s wife, reached at home Friday, said he would not be available for comment.