LAPD Officer Charged With Fondling Body of Dead Woman

[Daily Mexican]

Prosecutors filed a felony charge Thursday against a Los Angeles
police officer accused of inappropriately touching the breasts
of a dead woman while investigating her overdose earlier this
year, officials said.

Los Angeles Police Department Officer II David Rene Rojas, 27,
described as a 4-year veteran of the department, faces a count
of having sexual contact with human remains, according to the
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and county booking
records.

The alleged crime, which LAPD Chief Michel Moore described as
"disgusting," took place on Oct. 20 when Rojas and his partner
responded to the fatal overdose of a woman, officials said.

"While he was alone in the room, the defendant allegedly touched
the woman's breasts," DA's office spokesman Greg Risling said in
a written statement.

The misconduct was discovered when Rojas' body camera footage
was reviewed on Nov. 20, LAPD officials said.

"Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department's Internal
Affairs Criminal Investigations Division worked diligently to
complete their investigation, which was presented to the
district attorney's office on Dec. 10," police said in a written
statement.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing
LAPD officers, said it will not be assisting in Rojas' defense.

"We hope that District Attorney Jackie Lacey charging Mr. Rojas
for his vile alleged crime will bring some solace to the
deceased woman's family during their time of grieving," the
LAPPL Board of Directors said in a statement issued Thursday
afternoon. "The Los Angeles Police Protective League will not
defend Mr. Rojas during his criminal proceedings, and his
alleged behavior is abhorrent and an affront to every law
enforcement professional working for the LAPD."

Rojas was arrested shortly before noon and released from jail
Thursday afternoon after posting $20,000 bail, officials said.
His arraignment hearing was yet to be scheduled.

If convicted as charged, Rojas could face up to three years in
state prison.

KTLA's Erika Martin contributed to this report.

Correction: An earlier version of this article included an
incorrect date for when the investigation began, provided by
police. The story has been updated.

https://ktla.com/2019/12/12/lapd-officer-charged-with-fondling-
body-of-dead-woman/
 

[Daily Mexican]