EspañolLos Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Diego Jose Miranda Lopez Arrested For Allegedly Raping Child Under 14
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (April 21, 2023) – An LAPD officer identified as Diego Jose Miranda Lopez has been arrested on suspicion of raping a child under the age of 14.
Los Angeles Police Department officials are saying that the suspect worked at the North Hollywood station for less than a year. The alleged rape occurred before Diego Jose Miranda Lopez joined the LAPD.
After being confronted with the allegations, the suspect resigned. Diego Jose Miranda Lopez is currently in custody in Los Angeles and being held without bail.
The L.A. County District attorney is currently reviewing the case in order to determine if they will file charges. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sexual Assaults By California Police Officers
Officers have a sacred duty to serve and protect the public. But far too often, officers abuse their power under the colour of law. According to research from Bowling Green State University, police officers across the United States were charged with rape 405 times between 2005 and 2013. There were another 605 instances of forcible touching. This is one of the few reports that we have on police integrity. There is currently no government entity that collects data on police officers who are arrested. Children can be particularly vulnerable to the misconduct of police officers.
- Children are taught to obey authority figures.
- Children are especially reluctant to disobey police officers.
- People are less inclined to interrupt or question the actions that police officers take with respect to children.
It is a crime for any adult in California to have sexual intercourse with a minor. Pursuant to California Penal Code 288, it is a crime for a person to commit any lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age. Unlike adults, children are not able to give informed consent to sexual conduct. Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could be liable for an instance of sexual assault committed by one of their officers. 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. There are many steps that should be taken after any instance of police officer misconduct.
- The sexual misconduct of any police officer should be reported and properly documented.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- An experienced police officer sexual assault attorney should be consulted.
Sexual assaults are one of the most difficult and damaging things that people will go through in their life. Victims of sexual assaults are at a heightened risk of suffering from a wide range of long-term physical and psychological injuries. Any person that is sexually assaulted by an LAPD officer may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A sexual assault attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know if you have a claim that can be pursued.
Investigating Sexual Assaults By LAPD Officers
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to the victim of this incident and their family. While everyone has a right to the presumption of innocence and a fair trial, what has been revealed thus far by the district attorney is extremely disturbing. It is our sincere hope that any other potential victims will consider coming forward. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually assaulted by an LAPD officer? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that their perpetrators are held to account. 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.
