Underage Sex Scandal Spreads: Contra Costa Deputy Placed on Leave

A Contra Costa County sheriff's deputy was placed on administrative leave Monday as part of a growing investigation into alleged misconduct between law enforcement personnel and an underage girl, a sheriff's spokesman confirmed today.

The suspension follows three officers with the Oakland Police Department also being placed on leave and the resignation of two more officers after allegations emerged of sexual relationships existing between officers and a police dispatcher's underage daughter.

Sheriff's spokesman Jimmy Lee did not provide the name of the deputy who was placed on leave.

"We are aware of the allegation against our employee and are awaiting the criminal investigation by Oakland (police)," Lee said. "We will be conducting our own administrative investigation immediately."

"We take the allegation seriously and will not tolerate this alleged conduct by our employee, as we uphold the highest ethical standards," he said.

The alleged sexual misconduct among law enforcement personnel was initially brought to light when Oakland police's internal affairs division investigated the suicide of Officer Brendan O'Brien last September.

After an investigation was launched into the possible misconduct, the department's police chief, Sean Whent, announced his resignation last Thursday. No connection between his exit and the investigation was made explicit.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has said that details of the investigation will be disclosed once they do not impinge on the inquiry and the ability to secure judgments against anyone responsible.

--Bay City News