Retired Oakland cop in court for allegedly failing to report sex abuse

 

Retired Oakland police Sgt. LeRoy Johnson had no comment as he appeared in court Monday, accused of not reporting child abuse involving Jasmine Abuslin, the daughter of an Oakland police dispatcher.

Johnson did not enter a plea and was ordered to return to court in December. His attorney also declined to discuss the case.

Prosecutors say Johnson had a private Facebook chat with Abuslin on Sept. 21. According to Alameda County prosecutors, she told Johnson that she had sex with other Oakland police officers -- and told him not to tell anyone.

He reportedly agreed not to, and the exchange was captured on a screenshot on Abuslin's phone. Authorities say Johnson is a family friend of Abuslin and her mother, the Oakland police dispatcher.

Investigators found another screenshot in which Johnson allegedly asks Abuslin, "Tell me you you were an adult."

She responds, "I'd be lying," according to the DA.

Attorney John Burris represents Abuslin. He says Johnson could have put a stop to the abuse by coming forward. 

"If he had reported early, when it first came to his attention, we may not have this widespread police entanglement that we have," Burris said.

Abuslin has filed a $66 million claim against Oakland and a $30 million claim against Richmond. The claims are precursors to formal lawsuits.

Richmond City Manager Bill Lindsay said he wants four officers fired for alleged misconduct involving Abuslin and not just one officer, as originally proposed. 

KTVU has learned that an officer, a sergeant and a lieutenant - all of whom originally faced demotions or suspensions  - received termination notices Friday for what the city manager called "egregious" - but not criminal - conduct.

"I'm extremely disappointed in the behavior of these officers," Lindsay said. "I think it is something that undermines public trust, which is so important in community policing. And I would hope this decisive action helps restore confidence in the Richmond Police Department."

In a statement, the Richmond Police Officers Association said it is "hopeful that any member who receives discipline will be judged within the scope of proven misconduct, not unjust political pressure."

Johnson is among five current or former law-enforcement officers charged with crimes by Alameda County prosecutors. KTVU has learned that two more Oakland officers are expected to be formally charged this week.

The Contra Costa County district attorney is still investigating possible crimes committed by officers in its jurisdiction. No Richmond officers have been criminally charged.