Ventura County deputy arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting female inmate in jail

Monday, September 23, 2019
VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- A Ventura County deputy accused of sexually assaulting a female inmate while on duty was arrested Sunday, authorities said.

Deputy Leonard Lopez, 48, is facing one felony count of sexual battery, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.
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An investigation was launched earlier this month after the female inmate at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura reported the alleged assault to a jail staff member.

The inmate reported that Lopez entered her cell early in the morning and inappropriately touched her over her clothing. Lopez had been assigned on security duty in a remote area of the facility where the victim was being held, authorities said.
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Video surveillance evidence was used to support the victim's statements, according to a press release from the department.

Lopez was released on $20,000 bail and is due back in court on Oct. 8.
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