A Riverside man who owned and operated a dance studio in Anaheim was arrested Tuesday on allegations of sexual assaults involving young girls at his business. 

Mark Chavarria, 40, was identified by Anaheim police as the owner of Chavarria Institute of the Arts located at 160 South Old Springs Road in Anaheim.

Police say several young girls between 12 and 14 years old reported multiple sexual assaults involving Chavarria. The young victims reported that the assaults happened while they were attending the studio, according to the Anaheim Police Department.

Detectives immediately investigated the incidents and later arrested Chavarria on suspicion of several sexual assault offenses. He was booked into the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Central Jail facility and is currently being held on $5 million bail.

Chavarria has taught at numerous dance studios in Southern California and Arizona and authorities believe there are more victims. 

Anyone who has information about Chavarria is urged to contact Anaheim Police Detective Carney at 714-765-1969. 

If you have or know someone who has been sexually assaulted, call 800-656-4673 to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.