Charges against ex-officer dropped in California sex scandal

OAKLAND, Calif. – A judge has tossed out criminal charges against a former Oakland, California, police officer ensnared in a sex scandal that rocked several law enforcement agencies.

The judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to supports charges against Brian Bunton of obstruction of justice and engaging in prostitution.

Bunton’s attorney Dirk Manoukian said his client regrets his actions and made bad decision, but didn’t commit any crimes. Bunton was one of nearly 30 San Francisco Bay Area officers the teen daughter of a dispatcher said had sex with her while she worked as a prostitute. The teen testified that the sex with Bunton was consensual and no payment was made for the encounter. Several other officers still face charges.

The Associated Press doesn’t generally identify victims of sex crimes.