LAPD Detective Denies Making False Rape Claim

LOS ANGELES, CA - A Los Angeles Police Department detective pleaded not guilty today to charges of threatening an ex-boyfriend and having him arrested by filing a false police report claiming she had been sexually assaulted.

Christine Wycoff, 45, faces up to four years and eight months in prison if convicted of dissuading a witness and false imprisonment, prosecutors said.

Wycoff, who is free on a $150,000 bond, is due back in court March 13, when a date is expected to be set for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Wycoff met the alleged victim online in June 2014 and the pair had a sexual relationship that lasted several months. When the relationship soured, Wycoff allegedly threatened the man, who reported it to the LAPD.

While the LAPD was conducting an internal investigation, Wycoff allegedly told the man that if he cooperated with the probe, she would accuse him of domestic violence.

She later went to Torrance police and filed a report claiming the man had sexually assaulted her, causing him to be arrested, though he was quickly released. His arrest is the basis of the false imprisonment charge, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

According to the LAPD, Wycoff has been with the department for 17 years. She has been assigned to home duty with pay, amid a continuing internal department investigation.

City News Service