An off-duty LAPD officer was arrested for committing a lewd act in Huntington Beach.
Authorities say officers were conducting surveillance on Bolsa Chica Street, south of Los Patos Avenue, because of reports of a man exposing himself to several women over the last several months.
"Some were jogging, some were walking, some walking to school," Huntington Beach police Lt. Mitch O'Brien said.
Detectives observed a suspect, identified as 33-year-old Ryan Eric Galliher of Huntington Beach, committing a lewd act along an open pathway the morning of Oct. 23.
"He was on foot, he was dressed in shorts and he went down to the jogging trails, somebody watched him, and then on a public path committed a lewd act, which I don't want to get into the specifics because again there are still interviews being conducted," O'Brien said.
Galliher was hired by the LAPD in November 2011 and was assigned to the Southwest Division at the time of his arrest. LAPD has been notified of the arrest and is cooperating.
"It is appropriate that I reserve judgment on this matter until all of the facts have been gathered and the investigations have been completed," said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. "However, let me be very clear, I will not tolerate any behavior that reflects negatively upon this Department and tarnishes our relationship with our Communities near or far."
Galliher was released from custody and is on administrative leave. Police say he lives in the area where the crimes took place.
Investigators are working to determine if there are any additional victims. Police have not released Galliher's booking photo because they say they don't want to harm the investigation by showing his picture before other victims have identified him.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Huntington Beach Police Tip Line at (714) 375-5066.
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Officer Sean Harrington Stole Nude Photos of Woman
A California Highway Patrol officer suspected of stealing nude and racy photos from the cellphones of women arrested on drunken driving charges sent the pictures to at least two fellow officers in what he called a game, according to court documents.
Officer Sean Harrington, 35, confessed to investigators that he sent such photos at last six times over several years to colleagues in Dublin, but learned to do it while working in Los Angeles, the Contra Costa Times reported Friday.
Harrington has worked for the CHP for five years, and the newspaper reports that he is assigned to administrative duties pending the investigation.
Contra Costa County prosecutors say they expect to announce if they will file criminal charges in the coming days. Officers Robert Hazelwood and Dion Simmons are named in an Oct. 14 search warrant affidavit, suspected of receiving the photos and exchanging banter with Harrington.
CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said in a statement that his agency has launched an investigation, citing a similar case several years ago involving two officers in Los Angeles.
“The allegations anger and disgust me,” Farrow said. “We expect the highest level of integrity and moral strength from everyone in the California Highway Patrol.”
The investigation was sparked by a 23-year-old San Ramon woman arrested Aug. 29 on suspicion of drunken driving, who had a blood alcohol content of .29, more than three times the legal limit. Court papers say that she later discovered nude photos of herself had been sent from her phone to an unfamiliar number. Drunken driving charges against the woman have been dismissed in light of the investigation of Harrington, the newspaper reported.
The affidavit says Harrington also sent Hazelwood photos of a 19-year-old woman arrested following a suspected drunken driving crash in Livermore on Aug. 7. The photos show her wearing a bikini, and Hazelwood responded in a text asking if there were any nude photos, court papers say.
Harrington sent those photos next to Simmons, who replied favorably, saying “Nice,” according to the affidavit, and Harrington asked his colleague to return the favor, “down the road buddy.”
Darryl Holcombe, a senior investigator with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, said in the affidavit that the behavior amounts to felony computer theft.
Attorney Rick Madsen, who represents the 23-year-old woman, said the officers’ communications were “dehumanizing” and “horribly offensive” to his client and all women, saying, “It’s going to lead to another level of mistrust and skepticism to the motive of law enforcement in general.”
Officer Sean Harrington, 35, confessed to investigators that he sent such photos at last six times over several years to colleagues in Dublin, but learned to do it while working in Los Angeles, the Contra Costa Times reported Friday.
Harrington has worked for the CHP for five years, and the newspaper reports that he is assigned to administrative duties pending the investigation.
Contra Costa County prosecutors say they expect to announce if they will file criminal charges in the coming days. Officers Robert Hazelwood and Dion Simmons are named in an Oct. 14 search warrant affidavit, suspected of receiving the photos and exchanging banter with Harrington.
CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said in a statement that his agency has launched an investigation, citing a similar case several years ago involving two officers in Los Angeles.
“The allegations anger and disgust me,” Farrow said. “We expect the highest level of integrity and moral strength from everyone in the California Highway Patrol.”
The investigation was sparked by a 23-year-old San Ramon woman arrested Aug. 29 on suspicion of drunken driving, who had a blood alcohol content of .29, more than three times the legal limit. Court papers say that she later discovered nude photos of herself had been sent from her phone to an unfamiliar number. Drunken driving charges against the woman have been dismissed in light of the investigation of Harrington, the newspaper reported.
The affidavit says Harrington also sent Hazelwood photos of a 19-year-old woman arrested following a suspected drunken driving crash in Livermore on Aug. 7. The photos show her wearing a bikini, and Hazelwood responded in a text asking if there were any nude photos, court papers say.
Harrington sent those photos next to Simmons, who replied favorably, saying “Nice,” according to the affidavit, and Harrington asked his colleague to return the favor, “down the road buddy.”
Darryl Holcombe, a senior investigator with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, said in the affidavit that the behavior amounts to felony computer theft.
Attorney Rick Madsen, who represents the 23-year-old woman, said the officers’ communications were “dehumanizing” and “horribly offensive” to his client and all women, saying, “It’s going to lead to another level of mistrust and skepticism to the motive of law enforcement in general.”
Friday, October 17, 2014
Highway Patrol Officer Eric Lund Arrested for Child Porn
Eric Lund, 49, is from Chico, but was arrested in Fairfield at the CHP office where he works.
He lives part of his professional life in the public eye, but in his personal life, neighbors describe him as reclusive, and say he hardly ever came outside.
Part of his job was to talk to the press as a police spokesman, but at home, his neighbors wondered why he said next to nothing to them.
On his former Chico street, the sergeant and his family were known to some as a neighborhood mystery.
“They had a couple children, I guess, but we never saw them outside. I wouldn’t even know what they looked like,” said former neighbor Mary Young.
Vacaville Police had a mystery of their own. Using sophisticated software, a detective was tracking an unknown person downloading child pornography in Suisun, Fairfield and Vacaville.
Police say they traced the downloads to a surprising suspect—Sgt. Lund. They allege he looked at child pornography on and off duty. During a search of his personal car, investigators say they found a hard drive with nearly two-dozen videos.
“Oh my gosh, that’s too bad. I hope he gets the help he needs. People like that need help,” said former neighbor Richard Young.
Neighbors say Lund moved to an upscale neighborhood north of Chico. He’s out on bail, but nobody answered the door at his most recent address.
Police say Lund took a temporary transfer to the Fairfield CHP and would stay in the area during his work week. At age 49, investigators say the sergeant with a six-figure salary was already contemplating retirement.
The CHP released a statement calling the charges and disturbing. They have put Lund on administrative leave and stripped him of his peace officer powers.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Officer Kevin Nguyen Arrested for Possession of Child Porn
The San Jose Police Department has arrested a Mountain View police officer for felony possession of child pornography.
San Jose police served a search warrant at the residence of 36-year-old Kevin Nguyen on May 13, finding child pornography on his computer. Detectives from the San Jose Police Department along with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force members arrested Officer Nguyen at the Mountain View Police Department Tuesday afternoon without incident.
Nguyen was booked into the county jail for possession and distribution of child pornography. He was out of custody by Wednesday afternoon according to a Santa Clara County Sheriff's spokesperson, who declined to say whether Nguyen posted bail.
Nguyen, a 7-year veteran of the Mountain View Police Department, was placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation and arrest conducted in conjunction with the ICAC Task Force Program. Nguyen also worked as a sketch artist for the Mountain View Police Department.
Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club Raided By San Francisco Police
"If true, the allegation against Officer Nguyen is deeply unsettling," the Mountain View Police Department said in an open letter to the Mountain View community about Mguyen's arrest.. "However, we trust and have faith in our judicial system to conduct a thorough investigation resulting in the appropriate outcome."
MVPD said that the department will continue to cooperate with SJPD during the criminal invetsigation while launching their own internal administrative investigation.
"This is an extremely difficult time not only for our police department family, but also for the Mountain View community and for any innocent parties involved," MVPD said. "Rest assured, we remain committed to providing the very highest-level of service to you and will work tirelessly to continue to provide a sense of safety, security and transparency to the City of Mountain View."
The San Jose Police Department is the lead agency for the Silicon Valley ICAC Task Force and routinely conducts investigations into child pornography and child exploitation.
Anyone with information regarding the above case are urged to contact Detective Pierce of the San Jose Police Department’s Child Exploit Detail at (408) 537-1381.
San Jose police served a search warrant at the residence of 36-year-old Kevin Nguyen on May 13, finding child pornography on his computer. Detectives from the San Jose Police Department along with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force members arrested Officer Nguyen at the Mountain View Police Department Tuesday afternoon without incident.
Nguyen was booked into the county jail for possession and distribution of child pornography. He was out of custody by Wednesday afternoon according to a Santa Clara County Sheriff's spokesperson, who declined to say whether Nguyen posted bail.
Nguyen, a 7-year veteran of the Mountain View Police Department, was placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation and arrest conducted in conjunction with the ICAC Task Force Program. Nguyen also worked as a sketch artist for the Mountain View Police Department.
Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club Raided By San Francisco Police
"If true, the allegation against Officer Nguyen is deeply unsettling," the Mountain View Police Department said in an open letter to the Mountain View community about Mguyen's arrest.. "However, we trust and have faith in our judicial system to conduct a thorough investigation resulting in the appropriate outcome."
MVPD said that the department will continue to cooperate with SJPD during the criminal invetsigation while launching their own internal administrative investigation.
"This is an extremely difficult time not only for our police department family, but also for the Mountain View community and for any innocent parties involved," MVPD said. "Rest assured, we remain committed to providing the very highest-level of service to you and will work tirelessly to continue to provide a sense of safety, security and transparency to the City of Mountain View."
The San Jose Police Department is the lead agency for the Silicon Valley ICAC Task Force and routinely conducts investigations into child pornography and child exploitation.
Anyone with information regarding the above case are urged to contact Detective Pierce of the San Jose Police Department’s Child Exploit Detail at (408) 537-1381.
Officer Geoffrey Graves Now Charged with Domestic Violence
Prosecutors say a San Jose police officer charged with raping a woman while on duty is facing new domestic-violence allegations involving a former girlfriend.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday that 38-year-old Geoffrey Graves is charged with two felony counts of domestic violence for separate incidents involving the ex-girlfriend.
Graves entered not-guilty pleas to those charges.
In one of the incidents, prosecutors say, Graves kicked a door the woman had tried to close during an argument, and the door hit her in the face, cutting her lips.
Last month Graves pleaded not guilty to a charge of forcible rape in a separate case.
He is accused of raping the woman last September after responding to a family disturbance call at her home.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday that 38-year-old Geoffrey Graves is charged with two felony counts of domestic violence for separate incidents involving the ex-girlfriend.
Graves entered not-guilty pleas to those charges.
In one of the incidents, prosecutors say, Graves kicked a door the woman had tried to close during an argument, and the door hit her in the face, cutting her lips.
Last month Graves pleaded not guilty to a charge of forcible rape in a separate case.
He is accused of raping the woman last September after responding to a family disturbance call at her home.
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
Officer Gilbert Anthony Lorenzo Arrested for Domestic Violence
A San Diego police officer who was arrested last month on accusations he beat his wife has been arrested a second time on similar charges.
A San Diego police officer who was arrested last month on accusations he beat his wife has been arrested a second time on similar charges.
Thirty-one-year-old Gilbert Anthony Lorenzo was taken into custody late Monday night and booked into the San Diego Jail just before 11:30 p.m. on charges of inflicting corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant. His bail was set at $50,000. The circumstances of the arrest were not confirmed.
Lorenzo was initially arrested April 23 at his Le Mesa home on suspicion of felony domestic battery. He was immediately suspended without pay by San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman.
At the time, his wife, Tanya Lorenzo, told 10News that the incident was blown out of proportion. She said the police department "mutilated my husband in public."
"It was a situation that got out of control," she said last month. "It was just an argument that got a little bit more out of control than it should have."
Now, she is no longer defending her husband. She told 10News she was dropping their children off at the Spring Valley home where Lorenzo is staying when he attacked her.
She said her husband was drunk when he "went off." She claims the suspended San Diego police officer bit her and tried to strangle her.
"I could feel my neck cracking," she recounted, saying it was the first time she had ever felt that he was putting her life in danger. "I think if someone didn't come forward to pull him off me I would have been dead."
It is a totally different story than the one her twin sister, Jody Klemme, told 10News. Klemme said she spoke to Officer Lorenzo after he bailed out of jail. She said he claimed his wife was the aggressor who forced her way into his house attacking his groin area.
"I've been around their arguments when they've fought," said Klemme. "My sister, she is the type of person that you get in an argument with her, she will keep pushing and pushing the limit. So I don't personally think that he would lay his hands on her. He is not that type of person. He's a good guy."
Tanya Lorenzo said her sister is a liar, who does not know what really happened.
She also admitted that she did not tell the truth when she claimed her husband did not beat her in April, when he was arrested for domestic violence. She now says the bruise mark on her cheek was the result of that incident.
"I lied to save my family and help him keep his job," Mrs. Lorenzo said. "That's over now."
Lorenzo posted bail and was released just before 6 a.m. When asked for comment on the charges, he only responded, "The system sucks."
Lorenzo is a seven-year veteran of the police department. His first court hearing on the new charges is scheduled for May 13 in San Diego County Superior Court in El Cajon.
A San Diego police officer who was arrested last month on accusations he beat his wife has been arrested a second time on similar charges.
Thirty-one-year-old Gilbert Anthony Lorenzo was taken into custody late Monday night and booked into the San Diego Jail just before 11:30 p.m. on charges of inflicting corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant. His bail was set at $50,000. The circumstances of the arrest were not confirmed.
Lorenzo was initially arrested April 23 at his Le Mesa home on suspicion of felony domestic battery. He was immediately suspended without pay by San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman.
At the time, his wife, Tanya Lorenzo, told 10News that the incident was blown out of proportion. She said the police department "mutilated my husband in public."
"It was a situation that got out of control," she said last month. "It was just an argument that got a little bit more out of control than it should have."
Now, she is no longer defending her husband. She told 10News she was dropping their children off at the Spring Valley home where Lorenzo is staying when he attacked her.
She said her husband was drunk when he "went off." She claims the suspended San Diego police officer bit her and tried to strangle her.
"I could feel my neck cracking," she recounted, saying it was the first time she had ever felt that he was putting her life in danger. "I think if someone didn't come forward to pull him off me I would have been dead."
It is a totally different story than the one her twin sister, Jody Klemme, told 10News. Klemme said she spoke to Officer Lorenzo after he bailed out of jail. She said he claimed his wife was the aggressor who forced her way into his house attacking his groin area.
"I've been around their arguments when they've fought," said Klemme. "My sister, she is the type of person that you get in an argument with her, she will keep pushing and pushing the limit. So I don't personally think that he would lay his hands on her. He is not that type of person. He's a good guy."
Tanya Lorenzo said her sister is a liar, who does not know what really happened.
She also admitted that she did not tell the truth when she claimed her husband did not beat her in April, when he was arrested for domestic violence. She now says the bruise mark on her cheek was the result of that incident.
"I lied to save my family and help him keep his job," Mrs. Lorenzo said. "That's over now."
Lorenzo posted bail and was released just before 6 a.m. When asked for comment on the charges, he only responded, "The system sucks."
Lorenzo is a seven-year veteran of the police department. His first court hearing on the new charges is scheduled for May 13 in San Diego County Superior Court in El Cajon.
Monday, May 05, 2014
Officer Sean Ulitin Arrested for DUI
An off-duty Napa police officer was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit and run Saturday night, after he allegedly lost control of his Ford F250 truck on Monticello Road, struck a large tree, rolled his vehicle over and hit a parked car that was pushed into a home.
According to the California Highway Patrol, driver Sean Ulitin, 37, of Napa, registered more than three times the legal blood alcohol limit on two breathalyzer tests that were administered by the CHP at the scene.
CHP Sgt. William Bradshaw said Ulitin blew a 0.26 and a 0.28 blood alcohol level shortly after the crash. The legal limit is 0.08.
Ulitin reportedly sustained minor injuries at the scene and was arrested on charges of hit and run and DUI. No one else was injured in the crash.
According to the CHP collision report, Ulitin was traveling southbound at an unknown rate of speed at about 9:40 p.m. Saturday, when he made what CHP officers described as an “unsafe turning movement.” Because of the movement, Ulitin's truck reportedly traveled off the west edge of Monticello Road, struck a large tree and then rolled over.
Ulitin’s upside down white Ford truck continued to slide after rolling over, crashing into a Volkswagen that was parked in the driveway of a residence on Monticello Road, before coming to rest. According to officers, the force of Ulitin’s truck pushed the Volkswagen into the southeast corner of the owner’s Monticello Road home.
Ulitin was then reportedly helped out of his truck by residents who witnessed the crash. While they attempted to check on Ulitin’s welfare, he allegedly refused to stay until authorities arrived, fleeing northbound on Monticello Road on foot. One of the residents followed Ulitin and alerted officers to his location, just north of the scene, said the CHP. Upon finding Ulitin, officers took him into custody and arrested him for DUI and hit and run.
According to a Monticello Road resident who witnessed others trying to detain Ulitin, he was visibly intoxicated and obviously trying to flee the scene.
“A couple of guys were trying to stop him from leaving after they helped him out of the car,” said the neighbor, who asked not to be named. “They told him he needed to sit down because he could be hurt, but he refused to listen. The neighbors eventually let him go and he ran northbound on Monticello.”
Napa Police Capt. Jeff Troendly confirmed that a Napa police officer was involved in an alleged DUI collision on Saturday, but refused to discuss the incident further, citing personnel and privacy constraints. He referred further questions to the CHP.
Bradshaw said the investigation is ongoing and that the final incident report has yet to be completed. He declined to comment further on the case until the final report is completed.
Napa Mayor Jill Techel said Monday afternoon that while she couldn't comment on the specifics of the incident -- also citing personnel matters -- she wondered if the city could do more to educate people on how to keep themselves safe.
"Knowing the signs of when you need to stay home and not go out is something we need to educate people on," she said.
The Register attempted to determine Ulitin's status as a city employee. Police Chief Rich Melton could not be reached for comment.
According to the California Highway Patrol, driver Sean Ulitin, 37, of Napa, registered more than three times the legal blood alcohol limit on two breathalyzer tests that were administered by the CHP at the scene.
CHP Sgt. William Bradshaw said Ulitin blew a 0.26 and a 0.28 blood alcohol level shortly after the crash. The legal limit is 0.08.
Ulitin reportedly sustained minor injuries at the scene and was arrested on charges of hit and run and DUI. No one else was injured in the crash.
According to the CHP collision report, Ulitin was traveling southbound at an unknown rate of speed at about 9:40 p.m. Saturday, when he made what CHP officers described as an “unsafe turning movement.” Because of the movement, Ulitin's truck reportedly traveled off the west edge of Monticello Road, struck a large tree and then rolled over.
Ulitin’s upside down white Ford truck continued to slide after rolling over, crashing into a Volkswagen that was parked in the driveway of a residence on Monticello Road, before coming to rest. According to officers, the force of Ulitin’s truck pushed the Volkswagen into the southeast corner of the owner’s Monticello Road home.
Ulitin was then reportedly helped out of his truck by residents who witnessed the crash. While they attempted to check on Ulitin’s welfare, he allegedly refused to stay until authorities arrived, fleeing northbound on Monticello Road on foot. One of the residents followed Ulitin and alerted officers to his location, just north of the scene, said the CHP. Upon finding Ulitin, officers took him into custody and arrested him for DUI and hit and run.
According to a Monticello Road resident who witnessed others trying to detain Ulitin, he was visibly intoxicated and obviously trying to flee the scene.
“A couple of guys were trying to stop him from leaving after they helped him out of the car,” said the neighbor, who asked not to be named. “They told him he needed to sit down because he could be hurt, but he refused to listen. The neighbors eventually let him go and he ran northbound on Monticello.”
Napa Police Capt. Jeff Troendly confirmed that a Napa police officer was involved in an alleged DUI collision on Saturday, but refused to discuss the incident further, citing personnel and privacy constraints. He referred further questions to the CHP.
Bradshaw said the investigation is ongoing and that the final incident report has yet to be completed. He declined to comment further on the case until the final report is completed.
Napa Mayor Jill Techel said Monday afternoon that while she couldn't comment on the specifics of the incident -- also citing personnel matters -- she wondered if the city could do more to educate people on how to keep themselves safe.
"Knowing the signs of when you need to stay home and not go out is something we need to educate people on," she said.
The Register attempted to determine Ulitin's status as a city employee. Police Chief Rich Melton could not be reached for comment.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Former Officer Christopher Hays to Stand Trial for Abusing Women
A former San Diego police officer was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on five counts of mistreating women while on duty.
Christopher Hays, an officer for four years before resigning after his arrest in February, was ordered by Superior Court Judge Charles Rogers to stand trial on two counts of felony false imprisonment and three counts of misdemeanor battery.
Rogers' decision came after a preliminary hearing in which three women testified that Hays touched them inappropriately. Hays' attorney argued that the women's drug use and criminal records made their testimony unreliable, but Rogers disagreed.
A police investigator testified that Hays broke into tears when told of the allegations against him and asked if the case would "go away" if he resigned.
Also on Wednesday, officials disclosed that Officer Gilbert Lorenzo was arrested Tuesday in La Mesa on suspicion of domestic violence. Lorenzo, 31, a seven-year veteran of the San Diego department, was booked into county jail after his wife called police to say he had assaulted her.
Lorenzo has been suspended without pay, officials said.
At a news conference, Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman repeated her vow not to tolerate the mistreatment of women by the department's officers.
Hays, 30, received a medal in 2012 for dashing into a burning building to save a woman who was trapped on the second floor. He also served with the Marines in Iraq as a lance corporal.
Lorenzo has not yet been charged or arraigned.
The Hays' case marks the second time in recent years that a San Diego officer has been charged with assaulting women while on duty.
In 2011, Officer Anthony Arevalos was convicted of demanding sexual favors from women after making traffic stops. He was fired after charges were brought. He was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison.
The City Council has approved a total of $2.3 million in payments to women assaulted by Arevalos. One case has gone to trial.
In the wake of Hays' arrest, the City Council requested that the Department of Justice perform an audit of the police department's hiring, supervision and internal affairs practices.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the audit is needed to restore trust in the police department that may have eroded because of the Hays case and other instances of misconduct by officers.
Among other things, officials want suggestions on how to better detect problem officers. The audit will take six months and be funded by the Department of Justice.
Christopher Hays, an officer for four years before resigning after his arrest in February, was ordered by Superior Court Judge Charles Rogers to stand trial on two counts of felony false imprisonment and three counts of misdemeanor battery.
Rogers' decision came after a preliminary hearing in which three women testified that Hays touched them inappropriately. Hays' attorney argued that the women's drug use and criminal records made their testimony unreliable, but Rogers disagreed.
A police investigator testified that Hays broke into tears when told of the allegations against him and asked if the case would "go away" if he resigned.
Also on Wednesday, officials disclosed that Officer Gilbert Lorenzo was arrested Tuesday in La Mesa on suspicion of domestic violence. Lorenzo, 31, a seven-year veteran of the San Diego department, was booked into county jail after his wife called police to say he had assaulted her.
Lorenzo has been suspended without pay, officials said.
At a news conference, Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman repeated her vow not to tolerate the mistreatment of women by the department's officers.
Hays, 30, received a medal in 2012 for dashing into a burning building to save a woman who was trapped on the second floor. He also served with the Marines in Iraq as a lance corporal.
Lorenzo has not yet been charged or arraigned.
The Hays' case marks the second time in recent years that a San Diego officer has been charged with assaulting women while on duty.
In 2011, Officer Anthony Arevalos was convicted of demanding sexual favors from women after making traffic stops. He was fired after charges were brought. He was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison.
The City Council has approved a total of $2.3 million in payments to women assaulted by Arevalos. One case has gone to trial.
In the wake of Hays' arrest, the City Council requested that the Department of Justice perform an audit of the police department's hiring, supervision and internal affairs practices.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer said the audit is needed to restore trust in the police department that may have eroded because of the Hays case and other instances of misconduct by officers.
Among other things, officials want suggestions on how to better detect problem officers. The audit will take six months and be funded by the Department of Justice.
Officer Gilbert Lorenzo Arrested for Domestic Violence
A San Diego police officer with seven years on the force faces possible felony prosecution following his arrest on suspicion of beating his wife, department officials announced Wednesday.
Gilbert Anthony Lorenzo, 31, was taken into custody Tuesday in La Mesa, where he lives, then jailed and placed on compulsory leave without pay, SDPD Chief Shelley Zimmerman said.
"Our department fully cooperated with this investigation with La Mesa (police) and coordinated the arrest of our officer," Zimmerman told reporters. "I immediately revoked his police powers and suspended him from our department."
Lorenzo's arrest opened another in a series of cases involving alleged misconduct on the part of San Diego police officers. Among the accusations are sexual abuse of female detainees and drunken driving.
La Mesa police Lt. Matt Nicholass said his department was alerted to Lorenzo's alleged violence by an SDPD representative around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday.
"La Mesa detectives immediately began investigating the case and coordinated with San Diego Police Department and ultimately determined that he (Lorenzo) was, in fact, a suspect, and he was arrested," Nicholass said.
The officer's spouse did not require hospital treatment, the lieutenant said. Nicholass declined to disclose other details about the alleged abuse, including where it purportedly occurred.
Lorenzo, who is assigned to the SDPD Northern Division, was booked into county jail on suspicion of felony domestic battery. He posted $50,000 bail and was released.
Zimmerman told news crews during a late-morning briefing that someone alerted the San Diego police communications center about the alleged domestic abuse. She would not say who made the call.
The chief described the allegations against Lorenzo as a blow to the morale of her entire agency.
"I was very disappointed -- very disappointed -- to hear this news, and I can tell you our officers were very disappointed to hear this news," Zimmerman said.
She said SDPD officials would not tolerate the choices of "a very few" officers to "discredit our badge" and "dishonor our noble profession."
Two months ago, SDPD officer Christopher Hays, 30, was charged with felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor sexual battery in connection with his detention of several women. He resigned from the department the next day.
On Wednesday morning, following a two-day preliminary hearing, a judge ordered Hays to stand trial in the case. The ex-officer faces up to three years and eight months in prison if convicted.
Also in February, SDPD officials announced that another one of their officers had been placed on leave amid similar accusations. A woman alleged that patrolman Donald Moncrief, 39, groped her and exposed himself after arresting her last year.
On Feb. 22, SDPD Detective Karen Almos, 47, was arrested on suspicion of DUI after being found passed out in a parked car in Balboa Park. She pleaded guilty this month to driving while intoxicated and was sentenced to five years' probation and ordered to pay a fine of about $2,100.
In 2011, then-SDPD Officer Anthony Arevalos was accused of sexually assaulting five women during traffic stops for suspected drunken driving in the Gaslamp Quarter. He ultimately was convicted and sentenced to almost nine years in prison.
Gilbert Anthony Lorenzo, 31, was taken into custody Tuesday in La Mesa, where he lives, then jailed and placed on compulsory leave without pay, SDPD Chief Shelley Zimmerman said.
"Our department fully cooperated with this investigation with La Mesa (police) and coordinated the arrest of our officer," Zimmerman told reporters. "I immediately revoked his police powers and suspended him from our department."
Lorenzo's arrest opened another in a series of cases involving alleged misconduct on the part of San Diego police officers. Among the accusations are sexual abuse of female detainees and drunken driving.
La Mesa police Lt. Matt Nicholass said his department was alerted to Lorenzo's alleged violence by an SDPD representative around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday.
"La Mesa detectives immediately began investigating the case and coordinated with San Diego Police Department and ultimately determined that he (Lorenzo) was, in fact, a suspect, and he was arrested," Nicholass said.
The officer's spouse did not require hospital treatment, the lieutenant said. Nicholass declined to disclose other details about the alleged abuse, including where it purportedly occurred.
Lorenzo, who is assigned to the SDPD Northern Division, was booked into county jail on suspicion of felony domestic battery. He posted $50,000 bail and was released.
Zimmerman told news crews during a late-morning briefing that someone alerted the San Diego police communications center about the alleged domestic abuse. She would not say who made the call.
The chief described the allegations against Lorenzo as a blow to the morale of her entire agency.
"I was very disappointed -- very disappointed -- to hear this news, and I can tell you our officers were very disappointed to hear this news," Zimmerman said.
She said SDPD officials would not tolerate the choices of "a very few" officers to "discredit our badge" and "dishonor our noble profession."
Two months ago, SDPD officer Christopher Hays, 30, was charged with felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor sexual battery in connection with his detention of several women. He resigned from the department the next day.
On Wednesday morning, following a two-day preliminary hearing, a judge ordered Hays to stand trial in the case. The ex-officer faces up to three years and eight months in prison if convicted.
Also in February, SDPD officials announced that another one of their officers had been placed on leave amid similar accusations. A woman alleged that patrolman Donald Moncrief, 39, groped her and exposed himself after arresting her last year.
On Feb. 22, SDPD Detective Karen Almos, 47, was arrested on suspicion of DUI after being found passed out in a parked car in Balboa Park. She pleaded guilty this month to driving while intoxicated and was sentenced to five years' probation and ordered to pay a fine of about $2,100.
In 2011, then-SDPD Officer Anthony Arevalos was accused of sexually assaulting five women during traffic stops for suspected drunken driving in the Gaslamp Quarter. He ultimately was convicted and sentenced to almost nine years in prison.
Officer Gilbert Lorenzo Arrested for Domestic Violence
A 7-year veteran officer with the San Diego Police Department was
arrested on domestic violence allegations Tuesday. Now, both SDPD and La
Mesa police are investigating 31-year-old Gilbert Lorenzo, known as
Anthony.
San Diego police officials have taken swift action against one of its officers who was arrested and booked into county jail Tuesday evening for a domestic violence, marking another in a long list of troubles currently plaguing the police department.
“I was very disappointed to hear this news, and I can tell you that our officers were very disappointed to learn this news,” said SDPD Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman at a press conference about the arrest on Wednesday.
According to SDPD officials, La Mesa police contacted their communications center at about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday and reported that an SDPD officer who lived in La Mesa may have been involved in a domestic violence incident.
SDPD said they quickly began investigating the incident alongside LMPD officials.
Both investigations later determined that 31-year-old SDPD officer Gilbert A. Lorenzo was in fact a suspect in a domestic violence incident, according to police.
SDPD said the incident involved domestic battery against the suspect’s wife. They said they were in contact with the woman and were working with her after the incident occurred. According to police, she did not require medical treatment.
Once police determined Lorenzo was the suspect, he was arrested and booked into county jail on $50,000 bail Tuesday evening, SDPD officials said. He later posted bail.
Lorenzo was working SDPD’s Northern Division and worked in the Mid-City Division in the past, according to police. He’s said to be a seven year veteran of the department.
Although Lorenzo has not yet been charged, due to his arrest, SDPD officials said his police powers were revoked and he was suspended without pay as the investigation continued.
At Wednesday's press conference, Zimmerman highlighted the swift action SDPD took against Lorenzo after investigating the incident.
“We are not going to tolerate misbehavior on the part of our officers," Zimmerman said.
Lorenzo’s arrest is yet another setback for SDPD which has dealt with a string of troubles in recent months, including allegations of misconduct against its officers.
On the same day as Lorenzo’s arrest, a now former SDPD officer Christopher Hays was held over for trial on sexual misconduct charges.
Zimmerman made clear her determination to combat officer misconduct.
“Our officers, civilians and volunteers serve everyday with honor, distinction, professionalism and to the… very few again, this incident right here and those others that have acted as individuals and made the terrible decision to discredit our badge and to dishonor our noble profession, we are not going to tolerate it, and as you can see this happened very quickly,” Zimmerman said referring to the officer's suspension.
San Diego police officials have taken swift action against one of its officers who was arrested and booked into county jail Tuesday evening for a domestic violence, marking another in a long list of troubles currently plaguing the police department.
“I was very disappointed to hear this news, and I can tell you that our officers were very disappointed to learn this news,” said SDPD Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman at a press conference about the arrest on Wednesday.
According to SDPD officials, La Mesa police contacted their communications center at about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday and reported that an SDPD officer who lived in La Mesa may have been involved in a domestic violence incident.
SDPD said they quickly began investigating the incident alongside LMPD officials.
Both investigations later determined that 31-year-old SDPD officer Gilbert A. Lorenzo was in fact a suspect in a domestic violence incident, according to police.
SDPD said the incident involved domestic battery against the suspect’s wife. They said they were in contact with the woman and were working with her after the incident occurred. According to police, she did not require medical treatment.
Once police determined Lorenzo was the suspect, he was arrested and booked into county jail on $50,000 bail Tuesday evening, SDPD officials said. He later posted bail.
Lorenzo was working SDPD’s Northern Division and worked in the Mid-City Division in the past, according to police. He’s said to be a seven year veteran of the department.
Although Lorenzo has not yet been charged, due to his arrest, SDPD officials said his police powers were revoked and he was suspended without pay as the investigation continued.
At Wednesday's press conference, Zimmerman highlighted the swift action SDPD took against Lorenzo after investigating the incident.
“We are not going to tolerate misbehavior on the part of our officers," Zimmerman said.
Lorenzo’s arrest is yet another setback for SDPD which has dealt with a string of troubles in recent months, including allegations of misconduct against its officers.
On the same day as Lorenzo’s arrest, a now former SDPD officer Christopher Hays was held over for trial on sexual misconduct charges.
Zimmerman made clear her determination to combat officer misconduct.
“Our officers, civilians and volunteers serve everyday with honor, distinction, professionalism and to the… very few again, this incident right here and those others that have acted as individuals and made the terrible decision to discredit our badge and to dishonor our noble profession, we are not going to tolerate it, and as you can see this happened very quickly,” Zimmerman said referring to the officer's suspension.
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Former Officer Michael South Arrested for Burglary
Michael Glen South, 57, is accused of using his position as the security director of the University Village senior living community in Thousand Oaks to burglarize homes. Because of possible emergency issues with seniors, South had key access to each residence.
Following up on a tip, officers served a search warrant at South’s home where they discovered multiple items believed to be stolen including guns, jewelry and medications.
In 2007, Atascadero fired South for sexual harassment and lying during a background check. Prior to working for Atascadero, South had been employed as a Grover Beach police officer from 1995 to 2002.
Friday, April 04, 2014
Officer Matthew Switzer Arrested for Stealing Pain Medication From Senior Citizens
The officer is facing two counts of first degree burglary, one count of second degree burglary, one count of fraudulently obtaining prescription drugs, and one count of elder abuse.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office says, Matthew Switzer used his status as a police officer to steal prescription drugs from the apartments of several Concord senior citizens.
Friday the judge postponed the arraignment until Tuesday, giving attorneys on both sides more time to work the case.
Switzer's attorney Harry Stern says his client has a drug problem.
"Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. Unfortunately it appears that Officer Switzer is another casualty of that unfortunate trend," Stern said.
Stern says Switzer is battling an addiction, and had checked into rehab for treatment.
"He had prescriptions, and the particular drugs that were involved were essentially heroine," said Stern. Stern continues on to say his client has numerous issues, including suffering from post-traumatic stress.
"He was fighting a very serious addition problem. It started out with prescriptions. He had an on-duty injury," says Stern.
Officials have not said what that injury was or how it happened.
Concord Police Chief Guy Swanger, who requested the District Attorney investigation, would only say Switzer will be on paid leave, while the department conducts its own internal investigation.
Switzer's bail is now set at $480,000.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Officer Geoffrey Graves Charged with Forcible Rape
Judge Hector Ramon ordered Geoffrey Evatt Graves to surrender any gun he has to the San Jose Police Department and issued a protective order preventing him from communicating with Graves' female accuser, Deputy District Attorney Carlos Vega said.
Graves, who is free on $100,000 bail, was formally arraigned today on a charge of forcible rape in an alleged sexual assault last Sept. 22 of a woman whom Graves had just dropped off at a hotel to separate her and her husband who had been in a domestic dispute.
The officer, a Gilroy resident who is on administrative leave from the Police Department, appeared in court dressed in a dark suit and had his attorney Darlene Bagley speak on his behalf to Ramon.
The judge set a hearing for Graves to enter a plea to the felony charge for April 14 in the Hall of Justice in San Jose.
The protective or "stay away" order prohibits Graves from being within 300 yards of the victim, who is not being identified, Vega said.
At about 2 a.m. last Sept. 22, Graves responded while on duty with a second officer to an argument between the victim and her husband, who both had been consuming alcohol, at their San Jose residence, according to police.
The woman told officers she wanted to spend the night at a hotel where she once worked and Graves drove her there at about 2:30 a.m.
But according to prosecutors, he returned about 15 minutes later, knocked on the door, went into the room, threw the woman on the bed, took off parts of his uniform and her clothing and raped her.
The officer earlier had called his position in to police and then left for about 35 minutes, according to information from gathered satellite technology, Vega said.
The woman reported the incident to police on Oct. 15 and after a five-month investigation, police developed enough evidence corroborating her story to justify issuing a warrant for Graves' arrest on suspicion of forcible rape on March 10, according to police.
Graves, was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail, posted his bail and was released later that day.
If Graves is convicted of the charge, a judge could sentence him to three, six or nine years in prison under state sentencing guidelines, Vega said.
Based on the facts in the case, the district attorney's office would have prosecuted the case to the fullest regardless of who the defendant was, Vega said.
"However, there is a public factor involved," Vega said. "You have a member of our society who has been entrusted to follow the law, to enforce the law and ever since you are born and raised you were told to always obey the police and to do what you were told and they'd be there to help you, and in this case it hasn't."
The Police Department "has been very cooperative" and professional with prosecutors but "isn't happy" about the case, Vega said.
"I know our office and I think the community isn't happy about it," he said. "But I want to assure the community that everything is going to be above board and we are going to handle this like we would any other case."
Former Officer Christopher Bowersox Caught Accessing Porn
Christopher Bowersox was first arrested in February 2010, accused of possessing and distributing child pornography. The FBI stated he had child pornography images on his home computer and took part in online chats in which he discussed raping, mutilating and killing young boys.
He resigned from the Bakersfield Police Department in early 2010, a few months after the child pornography investigation was launched. Bowersox had headed up the police anti-graffiti unit for a time.
Last year, Bowersox, who was released from prison, violated his parole by accessing pornography on the Internet.
Monday, the federal judge in Fresno also re-imposed a term of supervision for 117 months, during which Bowersox will be required to register as a sex offender, and his access to minors, computers and the Internet will be restricted.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Officer Jonathan Chel Arrested for DUI
A Los Angeles Police Department officer was arrested Friday morning after his personal car crashed off the westbound Pomona (60) Freeway in Diamond Bar and ended up in a McDonald’s parking lot, according to authorities.
The driver lost control of the vehicle after exiting the freeway at the Brea Canyon off ramp around 1 a.m. The vehicle landed near the drive-thru lane at a McDonald’s restaurant right next to the freeway, CHP said. According to a witness, the car blocked both of the drive-thru lanes at the restaurant, located about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The driver was identified as Officer Jonathan Chel, of Fullerton, who remained hospitalized early Friday afternoon.
LAPD officials confirmed Friday morning that the 29-year-old driver is an LAPD officer. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
"I'm the first one to respond and all I hear is one person yelling like, 'Oh, there's somebody in there. Do you have anything to break the window?'" McDonald's employee Aaron Morales said. "I had keys in my hand. I sat there for about two minutes just trying to break the window, anything I could, wrap my hand up and just started banging on it."
Morales said that a employee at a nearby gas station had a tire iron that he was about to use to break the window, but then police arrived and assisted the driver.
The driver lost control of the vehicle after exiting the freeway at the Brea Canyon off ramp around 1 a.m. The vehicle landed near the drive-thru lane at a McDonald’s restaurant right next to the freeway, CHP said. According to a witness, the car blocked both of the drive-thru lanes at the restaurant, located about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The driver was identified as Officer Jonathan Chel, of Fullerton, who remained hospitalized early Friday afternoon.
LAPD officials confirmed Friday morning that the 29-year-old driver is an LAPD officer. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
"I'm the first one to respond and all I hear is one person yelling like, 'Oh, there's somebody in there. Do you have anything to break the window?'" McDonald's employee Aaron Morales said. "I had keys in my hand. I sat there for about two minutes just trying to break the window, anything I could, wrap my hand up and just started banging on it."
Morales said that a employee at a nearby gas station had a tire iron that he was about to use to break the window, but then police arrived and assisted the driver.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Detective Derik Carson Kumagia Arrested on Federal Charges
Vice intelligence squad detective Derik Carson Kumagai, 40, and alleged co-conspirator Saykham Somphoune, 40, of Clovis, were booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of conspiracy, bribery and extortion, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Cullers said at a news conference in U.S. District Court in Fresno.
A criminal complaint says Somphoune, who is not a law enforcement officer, also took or agreed to accept a bribe from the suspected drug dealer.
They will be arraigned today in federal court.
"It's a sad day for the Fresno Police Department," said a solemn Police Chief Jerry Dyer, who joined Cullers and other federal law enforcement officials at the news conference.
Dyer said Kumagai has been with the Fresno Police Department since June 2000. For the past 14 months, he has been assigned to the vice intelligence unit, the chief said. The unit investigates things like prostitution and outlaw biker gangs and assists narcotics officers with major drug investigations.
Dyer said there was nothing in Kumagai's background to alert his supervisors to any potential wrongdoing. Kumagai is now on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal police investigation. Dyer said the officer has given up his badge and service weapon for the time being.
"I'm disappointed," Dyer said. "It's cases like this that erode the trust that our citizens have in the police department."
Cullers declined to discuss the relationship between Kumagai and Somphoune, but he and the criminal complaint outlined the allegations against the pair:
According to Cullers, federal agents had been investigating a marijuana operation for about two years when they learned Kumagai and Somphoune had met with a suspected drug trafficker several times last fall.
In late October, Somphoune first told the suspected drug dealer that "Kumagai and others were asking for $60,000 in return for closing the purported investigation," the complaint says. Then on Oct. 22, Somphoune and Kumagai met with the suspected drug dealer, the complaint says, and told him the federal investigation "could be dropped in return for a bribe payment."
On Nov. 6, 2013, the suspected drug dealer paid Kumagai $20,000 cash, the complaint says.
After the bribe was paid, the suspected drug dealer completed documents to become a confidential police informant.
Cullers said the suspected drug trafficker had a motive to become an informant: "He could fly under the radar" and not be suspected in investigations.
Dyer said Kumagai didn't have the authority to sign up an informant. According to department policy, Dyer said, the Fresno County District Attorney's Office must sign off on anyone who wants to become an informant for police.
The case was the result of an investigation by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Grant Rabenn and Kevin Rooney are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of conspiracy, the two defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, Cullers said. A conviction on the bribery charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Third Arrest for Sgt. Thomas Haymond for Drunk Driving
Report from October 10, 2013
A San Francisco police sergeant has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and hit and run after he allegedly crashed his private vehicle into a parked car in the Sunset District while he was off duty, authorities said Thursday.
Sgt. Thomas Haymond 52, a 22-year veteran assigned to Central Station, was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor drunken driving and hit and run with property damage stemming from the wreck Tuesday night, records show.
Police say Haymond was driving his car when he rear-ended the parked car at 12th Avenue and Lawton Street at 8:35 p.m.
"There was enough impact where his car launched that parked vehicle into a tree," said Officer Albie Esparza, a police spokesman. "There was moderate damage to both vehicles."
Recent Video of latest Accident March 2014
It also states in the video that he was arrested for the same charge in 2006.
A San Francisco police sergeant has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and hit and run after he allegedly crashed his private vehicle into a parked car in the Sunset District while he was off duty, authorities said Thursday.
Sgt. Thomas Haymond 52, a 22-year veteran assigned to Central Station, was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor drunken driving and hit and run with property damage stemming from the wreck Tuesday night, records show.
Police say Haymond was driving his car when he rear-ended the parked car at 12th Avenue and Lawton Street at 8:35 p.m.
"There was enough impact where his car launched that parked vehicle into a tree," said Officer Albie Esparza, a police spokesman. "There was moderate damage to both vehicles."
Recent Video of latest Accident March 2014
It also states in the video that he was arrested for the same charge in 2006.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Officer Geoffrey Graves Arrested for Forcible Rape
A San Jose police officer has turned himself in after being charged with forcible rape. Geoffrey Graves, 38, has been a cop for six years. The victim is a woman he was sent to protect during a domestic dispute.
Neither the police nor the district attorney's office is saying where the rape occurred, except that it was a hotel where the victim once worked as a maid. Graves was one of the two officers who responded to a disturbance at the home of the woman and her husband. To resolve the problem, the woman said she would take a room at the hotel for the night. The two officers took her there. However, a police document says while one officer left, Graves stayed behind.
"The officer gained information and location of her hotel room and then went up there approximately 15 minutes later and knocked on the door," Santa Clara County deputy district attorney Carlos Vega said. "Unbeknownst to her, he opened the door. She was asleep, and that's when he let himself in and forcibly pushed her on the bed."
The victim didn't report the incident for three weeks, and when she did, she went to the California Highway Patrol, not San Jose police.
Kathleen Krenek is executive director of Next Door Solutions, an agency that counsels victims of rape and domestic violence. She believes the victim may have feared retaliation.
"She has reason to be afraid driving down the street," Krenek said. "Is someone going to do something? Is an officer going to do something? Is he going to find her because he's got a lot on the line. I'm absolutely amazed at the courage that it must have taken to come forward at this time."
Graves faces one count of forcible rape. He turned himself in Monday but was freed from jail on $100,000 bail.
San Jose police put him on paid administrative leave. The department now faces the challenge of restoring public trust.
"This is difficult for everybody because it reflects on our job and what we do every day, so I know that the officers are troubled by it, but we are resilient, and we have been through other hard times, and we've pulled together to rebuild the trust of the community, and that's what we're going to work on doing," San Jose police spokesperson Sgt. Heather Randol said.
Neither the police nor the district attorney's office is saying where the rape occurred, except that it was a hotel where the victim once worked as a maid. Graves was one of the two officers who responded to a disturbance at the home of the woman and her husband. To resolve the problem, the woman said she would take a room at the hotel for the night. The two officers took her there. However, a police document says while one officer left, Graves stayed behind.
"The officer gained information and location of her hotel room and then went up there approximately 15 minutes later and knocked on the door," Santa Clara County deputy district attorney Carlos Vega said. "Unbeknownst to her, he opened the door. She was asleep, and that's when he let himself in and forcibly pushed her on the bed."
The victim didn't report the incident for three weeks, and when she did, she went to the California Highway Patrol, not San Jose police.
Kathleen Krenek is executive director of Next Door Solutions, an agency that counsels victims of rape and domestic violence. She believes the victim may have feared retaliation.
"She has reason to be afraid driving down the street," Krenek said. "Is someone going to do something? Is an officer going to do something? Is he going to find her because he's got a lot on the line. I'm absolutely amazed at the courage that it must have taken to come forward at this time."
Graves faces one count of forcible rape. He turned himself in Monday but was freed from jail on $100,000 bail.
San Jose police put him on paid administrative leave. The department now faces the challenge of restoring public trust.
"This is difficult for everybody because it reflects on our job and what we do every day, so I know that the officers are troubled by it, but we are resilient, and we have been through other hard times, and we've pulled together to rebuild the trust of the community, and that's what we're going to work on doing," San Jose police spokesperson Sgt. Heather Randol said.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Officer David Garcia Arrested for DUI
A veteran Lompoc police officer was arrested for DUI early Friday morning in the city.
Officer David Garcia was off-duty when he allegedly crashed his personal vehicle into a tree on a median in the 200 block of North H Street about 12:45 Friday am.
A Lompoc officer made the arrest.
Lompoc Captain Don Deming said Sunday the investigation was turned over to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office to avoid a conflict of interest.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office will determine what charges could be filed in the case.
Officer David Garcia was off-duty when he allegedly crashed his personal vehicle into a tree on a median in the 200 block of North H Street about 12:45 Friday am.
A Lompoc officer made the arrest.
Lompoc Captain Don Deming said Sunday the investigation was turned over to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office to avoid a conflict of interest.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office will determine what charges could be filed in the case.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Former Officer Sergio Alvareza Found Guilty of 18 Counts of Kidnapping and Rape
A former Northern California police officer was convicted of sexually assaulting five women while authorities said he was on patrol.
A Yolo County jury found Sergio Alvarez guilty on Thursday of 18 counts of kidnapping, rape and forced oral copulation, the Sacramento Bee reported. The jury could not reach a decision on 10 other counts, including charges related to Alvarez's alleged attack on a sixth woman.
Prosecutors said Alvarez, while serving as a West Sacramento police officer in 2011 and 2012, targeted drug addicts and prostitutes. He allegedly forced them to perform sex acts in his cruiser, back alleys and wooded lots.
Alvarez showed no reaction as the verdicts were read, the Bee reported. His attorney, J. Toney, had accused the women of lying to authorities and said one of them had a months-long sexual relationship with the officer.
"I hope that our verdict reaffirms the dignity and worth of these women who spoke," juror Linda Bond told the Bee after the verdict.
Alvarez is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4 and is facing the possibility of multiple life sentences.
District Attorney Jeff Reisig called the case a "horrific betrayal of trust" and said that his office wanted Alvarez to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
A Yolo County jury found Sergio Alvarez guilty on Thursday of 18 counts of kidnapping, rape and forced oral copulation, the Sacramento Bee reported. The jury could not reach a decision on 10 other counts, including charges related to Alvarez's alleged attack on a sixth woman.
Prosecutors said Alvarez, while serving as a West Sacramento police officer in 2011 and 2012, targeted drug addicts and prostitutes. He allegedly forced them to perform sex acts in his cruiser, back alleys and wooded lots.
Alvarez showed no reaction as the verdicts were read, the Bee reported. His attorney, J. Toney, had accused the women of lying to authorities and said one of them had a months-long sexual relationship with the officer.
"I hope that our verdict reaffirms the dignity and worth of these women who spoke," juror Linda Bond told the Bee after the verdict.
Alvarez is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4 and is facing the possibility of multiple life sentences.
District Attorney Jeff Reisig called the case a "horrific betrayal of trust" and said that his office wanted Alvarez to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
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