An Orange County sheriff's deputy was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexually abusing a minor, authorities said today.
Wilbert Dale Garcia was taken into custody about 4 p.m. Friday during a traffic stop at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Nutmeg Street in Murrieta, according to a statement from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Orange County Sheriff Department personnel were present during the arrest and have placed the 49-year-old deputy on administrative leave.
Garcia has been under investigation by the Wildomar Police Department, which accused him of raping a child under 14 and of continual sexual abuse of a child. Other details of the accusations were not released.
Updated 4 p.m.: Garcia is a 19-year veteran with the Orange County Sheriff's Department. He was assigned to the south operation, patrolling mostly the Laguna Niguel area.
Sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino said Garcia was placed on administrative leave. He said the department was cooperating with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and had initiated a personnel investigation today.
"It's disturbing when anyone gets arrested for the crimes alleged, but it's especially more disturbing when that person is a law enforcement officer," Amormino said.
Wildomar police investigators said they were looking for other possible victims. Anyone with information can call (951) 245-3300.
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http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12072486
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