Former LAPD Officer Denies Molesting 15-Year-Old Cadet

LOS ANGELES, CA — A Los Angeles Police Officer turned inmate pleaded not guilty Monday to molesting a 15-year-old in the department’s scandal-plagued cadet program.

Robert Cain, 31, a former officer of 10 years, is now being held in the Men's Central Jail. Cain, who quit after being personally cuffed by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, faces two counts each of oral copulation with a person under 16, lewd acts on a child and unlawful sexual intercourse. He is being held on $240,000 bail.

Earlier this month, Cain pleaded no contest to weapons-related charges after investigators found a stash of illegal weapons at his home while serving a search warrant in the molestation case. The alleged molestation was discovered after officers chased cadets in a stolen police car, and the chase ended in a crash. During the ensuing investigation, seven cadets were arrested for allegedly stealing patrol cars while sometimes impersonating officers with bogus traffic stops, and Cain was arrested after his alleged relationship with one of those cadets was discovered. The department suspended the cadet program, and the cadet allegedly molested by Cain filed a lawsuit against the LAPD.

Cain's crimes allegedly occurred during three separate incidents at three different locations last June. If convicted as charged, he could face up to seven years and eight months in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Beck had harsh words for Cain when he arrested him.

"I find the actions of Cain, if they are proven, to be despicable. I find them to be absolutely inconsistent with the ethics and standards of the Los Angeles Police Department, and they are criminal. And I'm a police officer, and I was — I felt it was my duty to make the arrest,” he said. "I think it's important to send a message.”

RELATED:

• LAPD Scandal: Chief Busts Officer Accused Of Sex With Cadet, 15
  
• LAPD Cadet Scandal: Officer Faces Weapons Charges
  
• Cadet Allegedly Molested By LAPD Officer Sues Department
  
• LAPD Cadet Scandal: More Kids Face Arrest In Cruiser Thefts

Similarly, Mayor Eric Garcetti was unsparing in his criticism of Cain. "There is no higher priority than protecting and guiding our young people, and when they become LAPD cadets, every parent should feel confident that they will be treated with the utmost care every step of the way," Garcetti said at the time of Cain’s arrest. "The charges against this officer are deeply disturbing, and I have been assured he will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. These allegations represent a total breach of the trust we place in everyone who wears the uniform and a violation of the oath all officers take to protect and serve.”

Separately, Cain pleaded no contest Jan. 19 to two weapons-related charges stemming from a search of his home in San Bernardino County. He was immediately sentenced to two years in county jail and four years of supervised release following his plea to one felony count each of manufacturing of an assault weapon and possession of multi-burst trigger device or "bump stock."

Eight other weapons-related charges were dismissed as a result of Cain's plea, according to his attorney, Bill Seki.

His San Bernardino sentence can be served at any California penal institution, but it wasn't clear if his time currently being served in Men's Central Jail would count against that term.

City News Service and Patch Staffer contributed to this report. Photo: A display board showing an image of officer Robert Cain is photographed during a news conference Thursday, June 22, 2017, in Los Angeles. Cain has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a 15-year-old cadet who's suspected of joyriding in stolen patrol cars. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)