SEASIDE, Calif- A Seaside Police Officer was arrested Monday on six counts of sexual battery, said Monterey County District Attorney Dean Flippo.
Bail for Salvador Reynaga, 31, was set at $50,000 and according to the DA's Office he posted bail Monday evening and is supposed to appear in court on March 15. At this time no details have been released as to what Reynaga is accused of doing, but we do know it allegedly happened on the job and there's one victim, who is a woman.
"We have a rule of professional ethics that says prosecutors should not reveal information in advance of court hearings, which might lead to some type of prejudice against the defendant," says Terry Spitz, Chief Assistant District Attorney. "We have the duty to not only prosecute crimes but make sure the defendants are treated fairly and that they have the right to a fair and balanced jury trial."
After Seaside Police Chief Vicki Myers was informed about a citizen complaint concerning Reynaga's on-duty behavior, she asked that the District Attorney's Office to conduct an investigation into the four year veteran, reports the District Attorney's Office.
"We take these allegations very seriously," says Chief Myers. "That we do investigate them, and that depending upon the outcome, if they are sustained administratively, that we take appropriate action."
Chief Myers has placed Reynaga on administrative leave.
While officials are not saying much, Frank Martin, President of the Seaside Police Officer's Association, released a statement saying everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
"Until such time as this case is resolved, we must ensure that the officer's rights are protected, the victim's rights are protected and that their families are not harmed by the media frenzy often associated with cases like this," Martin.
HE WAS ALSO POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR ONE TIME
SEASIDE, Calif- Seaside Police Officer Salvador Reynaga became the Seaside Police Officers' Associations first recognized POA Officer of the Year.
Officer Reynaga was hired onto the Seaside Police Department on December 3rd, 2007 as a patrol officer. Officer Reynaga is also a proud Marine that served his country as an infantry rifleman in the military December of 2000 through December 2004. Officer Reynaga honorably served two combat tours in Iraq during his military career.
Officer Reynaga was voted as the POA Officer of the Year by his peers for his overall performance throughout 2008. Officer Reynaga's peers recognized his performance due to his positive attitude, work ethic and dedication to the citizens of Seaside.
Officer Reynaga is quoted as a "gentleman, and a professional." According to the POA, he is a true example to what a police officer should be; fair, courteous, helpful and firm when the situation requires. The Seaside Police Officers' Association says that they are proud to honor Officer Reynaga as the POA Officer of the year for 2008.
Bail for Salvador Reynaga, 31, was set at $50,000 and according to the DA's Office he posted bail Monday evening and is supposed to appear in court on March 15. At this time no details have been released as to what Reynaga is accused of doing, but we do know it allegedly happened on the job and there's one victim, who is a woman.
"We have a rule of professional ethics that says prosecutors should not reveal information in advance of court hearings, which might lead to some type of prejudice against the defendant," says Terry Spitz, Chief Assistant District Attorney. "We have the duty to not only prosecute crimes but make sure the defendants are treated fairly and that they have the right to a fair and balanced jury trial."
After Seaside Police Chief Vicki Myers was informed about a citizen complaint concerning Reynaga's on-duty behavior, she asked that the District Attorney's Office to conduct an investigation into the four year veteran, reports the District Attorney's Office.
"We take these allegations very seriously," says Chief Myers. "That we do investigate them, and that depending upon the outcome, if they are sustained administratively, that we take appropriate action."
Chief Myers has placed Reynaga on administrative leave.
While officials are not saying much, Frank Martin, President of the Seaside Police Officer's Association, released a statement saying everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
"Until such time as this case is resolved, we must ensure that the officer's rights are protected, the victim's rights are protected and that their families are not harmed by the media frenzy often associated with cases like this," Martin.
HE WAS ALSO POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR ONE TIME
SEASIDE, Calif- Seaside Police Officer Salvador Reynaga became the Seaside Police Officers' Associations first recognized POA Officer of the Year.
Officer Reynaga was hired onto the Seaside Police Department on December 3rd, 2007 as a patrol officer. Officer Reynaga is also a proud Marine that served his country as an infantry rifleman in the military December of 2000 through December 2004. Officer Reynaga honorably served two combat tours in Iraq during his military career.
Officer Reynaga was voted as the POA Officer of the Year by his peers for his overall performance throughout 2008. Officer Reynaga's peers recognized his performance due to his positive attitude, work ethic and dedication to the citizens of Seaside.
Officer Reynaga is quoted as a "gentleman, and a professional." According to the POA, he is a true example to what a police officer should be; fair, courteous, helpful and firm when the situation requires. The Seaside Police Officers' Association says that they are proud to honor Officer Reynaga as the POA Officer of the year for 2008.