
Q&A: Police officers face charges in Oakland sex scandal
OAKLAND, Calif. – Prosecutors in the San Francisco Bay Area are preparing to discuss a sexual misconduct case of officers in the Oakland Police Department. Here’s a look at some key details around the case:
__
WHO IS THE WOMAN AT THE CENTER OF CASE?
The 19-year-old woman, who says she worked as a prostitute, says she informed internal affairs investigators months ago that she had sex with three Oakland police officers and a Contra Costa County deputy before her 18th birthday. In all, she said she has had sex with about 30 law enforcement officials, mostly during the past year. She said she received money during a few encounters and often traded sex for protection from arrest and tips on prostitution stings
___
HOW DID IT COME TO LIGHT?
One of the three Oakland officers accused by the teen committed suicide in October, leaving behind a note discussing having sex with the woman. The two other Oakland officers and the Contra Costa County deputy have resigned.
__
WHAT CONSEQUENCES DO OFFICERS FACE?
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said dismissal proceedings have begun for four Oakland officers, seven will serve a range of unpaid suspensions before being allowed to return to duty and another will be required to attend training classes. Two officers implicated in the scandal previously resigned. A third killed himself last year. Six Richmond police officers and several others working for other law enforcement agencies have also been implicated. On Thursday, a Livermore police officer who had been on administrative leave resigned after seeing the results of his department’s investigation.
___
WHO ARE THE OFFICERS?
The mayor declined to identify the officers. It’s unclear if any of the officers are represented by lawyers. The police officers’ union said previously it wasn’t representing most of the implicated officers because the alleged misconduct occurred while they were off duty.
___
WHAT’S NEXT?
Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley said she will announce her office’s decisions on charges in the criminal investigation Friday afternoon. The woman is in a drug treatment centre in Florida.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.