Alameda Co. DA's office places inspector on administrative leave in connection to sex scandal
ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif. (KTVU) - The Alameda County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday that an inspector with the D.A.'s office was placed on administrative leave in connection to a growing sexual misconduct investigation affecting multiple East Bay law enforcement agencies.
According to the D.A.'s office, they are conducting their own investigation of the misconduct allegations involving police officers and a woman at the center of it all, claiming she had sex with two dozen current and former officers in five cities, according to a newspaper investigation published Sunday.
According to reports, the woman, a Richmond resident, says she slept with three of 24 officers before she turned 18 last August.
The D.A.'s office would not, however, comment on the details of their findings.
"While it is our practice not to discuss pending investigations, I can firmly state that we do not and will not turn a blind eye to human trafficking or the sexual exploitation of a minor, whether the offender is a civilian or a law enforcement officer” said District Attorney Nancy O’Malley in a statement.
“The alleged conduct of the officers in this matter is not in line with what our office and the wider community feel is acceptable for those who are sworn to protect and serve," she continued in her written statement. “For years, we have been fighting to shatter the perception of children as 'prostitutes' and criminals undeserving of protection. These young people are victims of abuse. We have worked hard to educate the community about this issue that previously existed in the shadows."
Oakland Police Department has gone through two police chiefs since the onset of this scandal. Last week Chief Sean Whent abruptly departed and his replacement, interim Chief Ben Fairow, was relieved of his duties on Wednesday after only six days on the job.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said she was bound by state law in discussing personnel matters, and didn't say why Fairow was leaving. "We are dealing with disgusting allegations that upset me greatly," Schaaf said on Wednesday. She added that she wanted to find an external candidate to lead the department.