By Areatius Als Grundlage für diese Datei diente die Image:Blank_US_Map_with_borders.svg welche durch den Benutzer User:AMK1211 erstellt wurde. (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

San Leandro police officer, Marco Becerra, 26, resigned on the 25th of October 2017 amid accusations of sexual misconduct with a teenage Police Explorer.

Becerra, a three year employee, has been accused of performing unlawful sexual acts with a 17 year old girl while he was off-duty. Court documents revealed that Becerra confessed to his sexual relationship with the girl over a month and a half.

The Alameda County Social Services Agency informed the police of the suspected misconduct on the 13th October. A criminal and an administrative investigation were launched immediately, and the District Attorney's office were contacted.

Investigators met with the girl who told them that she and Becerra met and became friends through the Explorer program. They kept in contact through phone and social media. They engaged in sexual intercourse on three separate dates. On 8th November, Marco Becerra was charged with three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor Penal Code 261.5.

The police department released a statement saying that Becerra “acted independently and this was an isolated incident involving only Mr. Becerra and the 17 year old victim.” Chief of Police Jeff Tudor said, “I am upset and disappointed by the unethical and criminal behavior of one of our officers. These actions are absolutely inconsistent with the ethical standards of the San Leandro Police Department, and we will not tolerate this type of behavior.” He also said that the Department is deeply concerned for the victim, and that they will respect their privacy.

Michael Rains, attorney for Becerra described the relationship as consensual, and that there was “strong emotional feelings for one another.” He also stated that Becerra knew it was wrong to have a sexual relationship with the girl. Becerra feels “ashamed and sorry” for the disrepute the incident has brought to the San Leandro Police Department. He realizes that his conduct may result in the end of his career in law enforcement.

The Police Explorer program has been suspended temporarily while an internal review is carried out. Police have said that it will be fully resumed at a later date. Media reports reveal that Becerra himself was a member of the program when he was a teenager.

Further Reading:

East Bay Times: Former San Leandro police officer accused of sex with 17-year-old Explorer

Mercury News: Former San Leandro police officer accused of sex with 17-year-old Explorer

NBC Bay Area: San Leandro Officer Resigns Amid Accusations of Unlawful Sex With Teenage Police Explorer

Bakersfield: Ex-San Leandro police officer charged with sex with teen