L.A. County sheriff’s deputy arrested for alleged sexual abuse

A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy who lives in San Bernardino County has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl in Rancho Cucamonga, authorities said Wednesday.

Antonio Heriberto Galindo, 41, was arrested Saturday and booked on suspicion of contact with a minor with intent for sex, oral copulation with a person under 18, and sexual penetration against the victim’s will by force, violence, duress, menace or fear, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Galindo was held on $100,000 bail.

The Los Angles County Sheriff’s Department issued the following statement:

“The Department is aware of an incident in which one of our personnel was arrested by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for sex crimes on Saturday, August 28, 2021. The employee has been relieved of duty and peace officer powers have been suspended. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is the handling agency and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is monitoring the criminal outcome of this case.

“Due to the active investigation, we are unable to offer further comment at this time, but what we can say is Sheriff Alex Villanueva will not tolerate misconduct or criminal behavior of any kind and those personnel who choose to break the law will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement added.

San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials said an investigation was conducted Friday, Aug. 27, involving Galindo.

“Investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Crimes Against Children Detail, conducted an investigation regarding Antonio Heriberto Galindo … who sexually molested a 16-year-old female in the city of Rancho Cucamonga,” the SBSD said. “It was later determined Galindo was a law enforcement officer in the Los Angeles area. Galindo also coached girls’ softball teams.”

Galindo was booked into the Central Detention Center on Saturday.

Investigators believe there may be other victims, and urged anyone who may have been victimized by Galindo or who has information on the case to contact 909-387-3615. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME.

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