LIVERMORE, CA — A San Mateo Sheriff's Deputy who lives in Livermore was charged with a felony count of child abuse, according to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.
Steven Romero, a 34-year-old Livermore resident, allegedly choked his five-year-old son and then dragged him through the house by his ear, according to a probable cause declaration submitted by the Livermore Police Department to the District Attorney's Office. In a statement, police alleged that Romero forced his five-year-old son to jump rope as a punishment for not finishing his breakfast within the allotted 15-minute window. When his son didn't jump rope quickly enough, Romero allegedly choked him multiple times by the neck and mouth, then dragged him into his room by his ear.
The dragging led to bruising, and the five-year-old was taken for treatment at a hospital. The doctor concluded that the injuries were consistent with physical abuse, according to the police statement.
Romero was charged with a felony count of corporal injury to a child. Prosecutors also alleged three aggravating circumstances: that the crime involved violence or bodily harm, that the victim was particularly vulnerable, and that Romero took advantage of a position of trust or authority.
Romero has been on leave from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office since April 2025, according to a spokesperson Gretchen Spiker. The alleged events occurred off-duty in Alameda County, while Romero was on leave. Spiker said the Sheriff's Office is conducting a "thorough internal administrative investigation."
SEE ALSO:
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Livermore Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.