Authorities in California say a veteran Los Angeles police officer has been arrested on suspicion of raping multiple victims.
According to the Los Angeles Times, 33-year-old William Rodriguez has been dismissed from the Los Angeles Police Department and stands accused of one incident in 2015 and another late last year.
Investigators first became involved in the case after receiving information about the alleged sexual assault of an individual at Rodriguez’s home in November 2018. Upon further investigation, police say they learned of a second claim of similar criminal behavior.
Police say he was not on duty during either incident, adding that their investigation remains ongoing.
“We know only of those two [victims],” said LAPD Capt. Gisselle Espinosa. “But like with any investigation, we will follow the evidence as far as it takes us.”
Rodriguez could spend 30 years behind bars if convicted of the charges against him. Prosecutors in the case want his bail to be set at $1.2 million.
In a news conference on the matter, LAPD Chief Michel Moore expressed his disappointment.
“When one of our own breaks the trust of the people we are sworn to protect and to serve, it tarnishes the badge we all wear proudly on our chests. This arrest also reflects our commitment to pursue every lead no matter where the investigation takes us.”
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