EspañolFormer Beaumont Police Officer Diego Sanchez (Full Name: Diego Francisco Sanchez) Arrested Following Allegations of Rape and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct
BEAUMONT, CALIFORNIA (February 16, 2024) – A 35-year-old Beaumont Police Officer identified as Diego Sanchez has been arrested after allegations of rape and sexual misconduct.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said that the defendant was relieved of his duties prior to being arrested on Monday. “On February 12, 2024, investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Beaumont Police Department and assumed the investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct by an off-duty Beaumont Police Officer,” according to a statement from the sheriff’s department.
Jail records revealed that Diego Sanchez is facing multiple charges including rape, assault with intent to rape, false imprisonment, and oral copulation. He was booked into Banning’s Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility.
Authorities said the former Beaumont police officer was set free on $55,000 bail. He is set to appear in court on March 27. A full investigation into all of the accusations against Diego Sanchez remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sexual Assault Involving Police Officers
Sexual assault involving police officers is sadly far more common than many may realize. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, “One study found that, over a 10-year period, a police officer was caught committing sexual abuse or sexualized misconduct at least every five days. Another found that sexual violence was the second most reported form of police misconduct, after excessive force.” People from marginalized communities are the most targeted by police for sexual violence. There are a number of measures that police department should take in order to prevent sexual abuse by their officers.
- All officers should wear body cameras when they are interacting with the public.
- Police departments should have clear policy guidelines on appropriate behavior.
- Police departments should thoroughly investigate all instances of misconduct.
- Police departments should establish independent oversight mechanisms.
It is illegal for any police officer or civilian to engage in any type of sexual misconduct or battery. Pursuant to California Penal Code 234.4 (a), “Any person who touches an intimate part of another person while that person is unlawfully restrained by the accused or an accomplice, and if the touching is against the will of the person touched and is for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse, is guilty of sexual battery.” Any person that sexually abuses another person can be held accountable through a criminal and a civil claim for their actions.
If there is an instance where an off-duty police officer asserted their official authority to engage in abuse, the department that they worked for could potentially be held liable. An officer may have brandished a weapon and flashed their badge. The key issue is whether the officer was acting under the colour of law. Consider, for example, Rogers v. City of Little Rock. An 8th circuit court found that an officer who allegedly raped a female motorist after following her home acted “under the colour of law,” thereby constituting a civil rights violation. Several steps should be taken after any instance of police sexual abuse.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage of the encounter should be sought.
- A police report of the incident should be created.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
By the time any police officer is arrested for sexual abuse, there were likely dozens of red flags that were missed. In far too many instances, officers knew or should have known that something was wrong but failed to act nonetheless. It is important that victims of police misconduct understand that they do have rights. Any person that is sexually abused by a police officer may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Sexual Assaults Involving Police Officers
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who may have been harmed by the actions of Diego Sanchez. Every person is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair trial. But it is still true to say that the allegations made against the defendant are extremely disturbing. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of these allegations.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed by a Beaumont police officer? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of police misconduct are aware of their rights and police departments are held accountable for the illegal actions of their officers. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
