A Menifee police officer has been arrested on suspicion of committing sexual assault whereas on responsibility, in line with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Division.
The Menifee Police Division obtained a grievance alleging sexual assault by one in every of its officers, spurring a preliminary investigation that pointed to 32-year-old Officer Juan Pesina.
Pesina allegedly dedicated sexual assault throughout an on-duty investigation. There have been different on-duty assaults, in addition to alleged off-duty incidents, in 2023 and 2024, in line with investigators. He had been an officer with the Menifee Police Division since December 2022, in line with the company.
He faces prices together with rape, sodomy and compelled oral copulation, in line with officers.
Juan Pesina was arrested Tuesday in Murrieta.
(Riverside County Sheriff’s Division)
After its preliminary investigation of Pesina, Menifee police notified the sheriff’s particular victims unit, asking it for assist in conducting “an neutral and unbiased investigation,” Police Chief Chris Karper mentioned in a video posted by the Police Division.
Authorities arrested the officer Tuesday at a courthouse in Murietta, the discharge mentioned. After being made conscious of the allegations, the Sheriff’s Division mentioned, officers used a search warrant to comb by his Menifee residence and his office and located additional proof supporting the fees.
“Whereas we’re deeply dissatisfied on this particular person’s actions, they don’t mirror the values, integrity or professionalism of the Menifee Police Division, its management or the officers who serve this group with honor on a regular basis,” Karper mentioned. “We perceive the affect that this information could have on public belief. Let me guarantee you, we’re dedicated to accountability, each externally and inside our personal ranks.”
The case continues to be below investigation, and authorities consider there could possibly be extra victims.
Those that have any info are urged to contact investigator J. Andrade at (951) 955-1701 or dispatch at (951) 776-1099.
