According to authorities in California, a sheriff’s investigator in the sex crimes division is accused of raping a teen after meeting her through a case he was handling.

Ventura County Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Schwartz said 45-year-old Neil David Kimball allegedly tied the girl up during the attack and subsequently threatened her in an attempt to dissuade her from reporting the crime.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Kimball pleaded not guilty after he was arrested last week.

An investigation found evidence that the suspect’s colleague heard allegations last month of the alleged abuse.

“The alleged conduct occurred during the scope of the employee’s assignment with the Special Victims Bureau,” a police statement revealed.

Kimball had reportedly been the subject of a 2009 investigation regarding sexual battery. That case predated his promotion tot he special investigative division by four years and did not result in criminal charges against him.

Some local officials are questioning why he was promoted within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.

“If there was a hint — a hint — of any type of sexual harassment or abuse, even if you may not have proof, why are you promoting that person to the sex-crimes unit?” asked Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission Chair Patti Giggans.

Kimball was transferred to a cell at the Ventura County jail this week with bond set at $2 million. He is set to appear in court next month.

As CBS Los Angeles reported, he faces criminal counts including rape by force and preventing or dissuading a witness or victim from testifying.

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