California Cop Held After Claims of Misconduct with Youth Program Participant

A Garden Grove officer is behind bars amid accusations he acted improperly toward a minor enrolled in a police youth initiative.

California Cop Held After Claims of Misconduct with Youth Program Participant

A law-enforcement officer in Garden Grove, a city in Orange County, California, has been jailed following accusations of inappropriate behavior toward a teenage girl taking part in a department-run youth program.

The 32-year-old officer, identified as Roberto Machuca, was apprehended on the morning of Saturday, June 27. The arrest came one day after department leadership received a report about possible improper contact between Machuca and the juvenile volunteer.

Following his booking into Orange County Jail, the department removed him from active duty and placed him on leave. A spokesperson for the agency stated that safeguarding young volunteers is a foremost priority.

While officials declined to specify the girl's age, the Explorer program — which gives adolescents exposure to police work — requires participants to be at least 14.

Sgt. Nick Jensen confirmed the probe is still underway and further details may emerge.

Source: NBC Los Angeles

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)