Los Angeles, CA - Antonio Heriberto Galindo, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy, Charged Sexual Assault

A LA County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Accused of Sexual Assault

According to KTLA, 41-year-old Antonio Heriberto Galindo is facing charges of sexual assault on a minor while a deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department located at 211 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

On Tuesday, August 31, 2021, Antonio Heriberto Galindo, from Rancho Cucamonga, was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a minor while employed as a deputy. Galindo also works as a softball coach. It is not clear if the victim was one of the members of the softball team. 

Galindo's employment has been suspended at the Sheriff's Department. He is facing the following charges and is being held on $100,000 bail:

• contacting a minor with intent for sex
• oral copulation with a person under 18 
• sexual penetration against the victim’s will by force, violence, duress, menace, or fear

The Legal Rights of Victims Sexually Assaulted by a Police

Attorney Bobby Thompson is an experienced sexual abuse lawyer who has represented many victims in lawsuits in the state of California. During an interview, Bobby shared his insight on the legal rights of victims sexually assaulted by police.

“Police officers, including deputies, are supposed to be trusted to care for people by preventing crime and enforcing laws. While most police are trustworthy, a few have taken advantage of their power and trust and exploit victims. The victims of this such abuse need to understand they have legal rights.”

“Reporting any sexual assault by a police officer will result in a criminal investigation. This investigation is an integral part of the legal process. In some cases of sexual abuse, victims and their families may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the police officer and possibly their employer. The employer of the abuser can be held liable for playing a negligence role in the crime. An example would include if previous complaints were reported against the officer, but the misconduct was ignored, and the suspect remained employed. Another example would be their failure to run a background check revealing a history of misconduct before signing on to the officer. Victims and their families are heavily encouraged to consult with an experienced sexual assault lawyer to understand their legal rights better.”

Sources:

KTLA