Lanard Heath

Detectives from the sheriff’s Special Victims Bureau are investigating the sexual molestation of a 12-year-old girl by her step-father, which occurred Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. in the 28300 block of Willow Court in unincorporated Saugus.

Deputy Lillian Peck of the sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau identified the suspect as Lanard Heath, 30, of Saugus. His last known residence was at the home where the crime occurred, Peck said.

According to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the girl’s mother returned home earlier than usual from work and went into her daughter’s room to check on her. When she opened the door, she observed her husband, Heath, on top of her daughter.

The statement Heath was naked from the waist down, rubbing against the victim. He was also kissing the victim’s neck and cheeks while the victim was pinned down under the weight of the suspect and looking away.

The mother yelled at the suspect and called 911. The suspect got dressed and fled the location, the statement said.

Santa Clarita patrol deputies located the suspect a short time later at Santa Clarita Park on Seco Canyon Road and arrested him on suspicion of committing a lewd act with a child under age 14.

Heath was booked at Santa Clarita Station and is being held without bail.