According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, a Menifie police officer was arrested for allegedly committing sexual assault while on duty.
Menifee Police Department received a complaint accusing one of its officers of sexual assault and facilitated a preliminary investigation that pointed to 32-year-old officer Juan Pesina.
Pesina allegedly committed sexual assault in a duty investigation. According to investigators, there were other on-duty attacks and so-called off-duty incidents in 2023 and 2024. According to the agency, he has been an official with the Menifie Police Department since December 2022.
Officials said he faces charges including rape, sodomy and forced verbal mating.
Juan Pesina was arrested in Murrieta on Tuesday.
(Hebin County Sheriff’s Department)
In a video released by the police station, Police Chief Chris Karper said that after a preliminary investigation into Pesina, Menifee police notified the sheriff’s special victims department to demand a “fair and independent investigation.”
Authorities arrested the official in a court in Mueta on Tuesday, the release said. After realizing the allegations, officials used a search warrant to tease out his Menifee residence and his workplace and found further evidence supporting the allegations.
“While we are very disappointed with this person’s behavior, they do not reflect the values, integrity or professionalism of the Menifie Police Department, its leadership or officials who serve this community with honor every day,” said Kepper. “We understand the impact this news may have on public trust. Let me assure you that we are committed to external and our own responsibilities.”
The case is still under investigation and authorities believe there may be more victims.
Those with any information are urged to contact researcher J. Andrade at (951) 955-1701 or call (951) 776-1099 to scheduling.
