An Orange County sheriff’s deputy is out on bail after being arrested this week in reference to the reported sexual assault of an incarcerated girl.
The 29-year-old deputy, Leobardo Martinez Garcia, was arrested Wednesday, two weeks after the sufferer made a report, in accordance with authorities.
In March 2025, the sufferer was in custody and being handled at an area hospital when Martinez Garcia assaulted her, authorities allege. Eight months later, on Oct. 14, the sufferer, who’s presently incarcerated at an Orange County jail, reported the assault to jail employees, who then shared the declare with investigators, sheriff’s deputies stated.
Orange County investigators “instantly” started the investigation, in accordance with the Orange County Sheriff’s Division, and carried out interviews and analyzed “digital proof,” which might embrace cellphone and electronic mail data, in addition to search warrants.
The knowledge uncovered was ample sufficient to warrant the arrest of Martinez Garcia on suspicion of felony sexual battery and assault below the colour of authority, and he was detained within the Santa Ana Jail.
He was launched Thursday on bond and positioned on paid go away. Officers confirmed that Martinez Garcia remains to be employed by the sheriff’s workplace because the investigation into his fees continues.
In gentle of Martinez Garcia’s fees, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes referred to as the deputy’s alleged conduct “a violation of the oath to serve and defend our group, notably these entrusted to our care within the Orange County Jail.”
“I couldn’t be extra upset within the actions of Mr. Martinez Garcia,” Barnes stated.
After the investigation is accomplished, officers stated the case will both be assigned to the Orange County district lawyer or to the US district lawyer, relying on the fees thought-about and proof collected. His arraignment date will then be introduced. If Martinez Garcia is charged with assault below the colour of authority, a federal crime, his case might be heard in U.S. federal court docket.
