An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.
Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.
The department says they first learned of the incident on Oct. 14 after the woman reported the assault that happened in March. The woman was in custody on a separate charge, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The investigators served multiple search warrants and gathered digital evidence that led to the arrest of Martinez Garcia. He was booked into Santa Ana Jail on suspicion of felony sexual battery and assault.
Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.
“The alleged criminal conduct of this deputy is a violation of the oath to serve and protect our community, particularly those entrusted to our care in the Orange County Jail,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “I could not be more disappointed in the actions of Mr. Martinez Garcia.”
Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.
The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.