Garden Grove officer arrested over misconduct with youth volunteer in explorer programme

A Garden Grove police officer was arrested after allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct with a teenage volunteer. The case has been referred to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Garden Grove officer arrested over misconduct with youth volunteer

A Garden Grove police officer was taken into custody following allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a youth volunteer attached to the department, cbsnews.com reports.

The girl, a participant in the department's explorer programme, came forward with the allegations on Friday, 26 June. Officers arrested Roberto Machuca the following day and booked him into Orange County Jail.

Machuca has since been relieved of his duties and placed on administrative leave, the Garden Grove Police Department confirmed.

"The safety and security of our youth volunteers remains a top priority," the department wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.

Investigators are working alongside the Orange County District Attorney's Office and intend to hand over the case to prosecutors once the inquiry is complete. The department said it does not plan to release additional information while the investigation remains ongoing.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)