NEWPORT BEACH --
Celebrated 'physique' magazine photographer is accused of having sex with a 15-year-old girl after agreeing to help her modeling career.33-year old Jason Ellis, whose photos have appeared on the covers of magazines such as Elle and Muscle & Fitness, is charged with three counts of lewd acts and one count each of statutory rape, oral copulation of a minor and digital penetration of a minor, said Farrah Emami of the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Ellis' live-in fiance, 31-year-old Michelle Hecker, is charged with aiding and abetting Ellis in the same crimes, Emami said.
An arrest warrant was issued for Hecker.
Prosecutors say Hecker met "Jane Doe" last year through their shared interest in horseback riding.
Heckler introduced the girl to Ellis under the pretense that he could help with her modeling, Emami said.
Between August 2007 and June, Ellis took the girl on dates to movies and dinner, kissing and touching her in public, Emami said.
Hecker allegedly helped Ellis gain the trust of the girl's parents, picking her up from her home supposedly for horseback riding or some other activity.
But prosecutors say she took the girl to meet Ellis at the Fashion Island mall and drove her home later.
To hide what the two were doing, Hecker allegedly had the girl wear riding clothes when she picked her up or dropped her off, Emami said.
The parents eventually became suspicious and had a private investigator follow the pair, Emami said.
When Ellis learned he was wanted in the case, he fled the area but was arrested 10 days later.
Hecker and Ellis each face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Anyone with more information about the case or who believes they may have been victimized was asked to call Tim Craig of the district attorney's office at (714) 347-8558.
http://ktla.trb.com/news/ktla-photographer-assault,0,3405805.story
