San Bernardino County prosecutor placed on leave for offensive social media posts
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- A San Bernardino County deputy district attorney is under investigation for a series of offensive social media posts, one of which targets Rep. Maxine Waters.
Michael Selyem has been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of a formal investigation, which could result in disciplinary action up to termination, said San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos at a Monday press conference.
"The strongest asset in the district attorney's office as prosecutors and staff that work in this office - is that of our ethics and integrity," Ramos said.
Screenshots courtesy of the San Bernardino Sun.
Selyem is accused of publishing several offensive posts on social media accounts that have now been deleted.
"On June 28, 2018 we received information regarding negative comments posted online by one of our prosecutors. At that time, we took immediate steps to initiate a personnel investigation," Ramos said. " The San Bernardino County D.A.'s office does not condone hate, discrimination or incitement of violence."
In one Facebook comment, Selyem wrote about Waters, calling her a "loud mouthed c--- in the ghetto," then saying, "you would think someone would have shot this b---- by now."
In another instance, Selyem argued with someone about police shooting a civilian, saying "That s---bag got exactly what he deserved...You reap what you sow. And by the way go f--- yourself you liberal s---bag."
It was unclear which police shooting Selyem was referencing. It was also unclear if the incident was an open case in San Bernardino County or if it happened elsewhere.
Ramos said he was offended by the posts, particularly about Selyem's comments about the officer-involved shooting.
"Because we handle those cases, as you know, on a daily basis. We are currently investigating officer-involved shootings, and to make any comments regarding, whether it's general comments or statements in what was stated, impacts the ability for us to ensure the integrity of this office and making sure the public knows that we are doing these cases and investigating these cases in an unbiased fashion," Ramos said.
Ramos said although he cannot speak about Selyem's mindset, he described the content of those social media posts as "very concerning."
"Generally speaking, when you talk about somebody that should have been shot, perhaps killed, when you talk about, generally speaking, officer-involved shootings, that people deserve to be shot without getting into the facts, every case is totally different, it's very concerning," he said.
Ramos added that Selyem's cases will be reassigned
As for past cases Selyem was involved in, Ramos said, "I would make that comment to the public, if there's anybody that feels that perhaps there was some bias or circumstances regarding his cases, we have a conviction review unit that we have in place. We will look at any cases. I have assigned my Assistant DA Gary Roth to overlook his cases and make sure justice was done."
Ramos emphasized that his office has received no prior indication of any type of bias regarding Selyem's cases.
"But that's not to say we won't review them, especially if there is a request to do so," Ramos said.
Ramos did not give a timeline regarding the completion the investigation surrounding Selyem, except to say he has requested it be done as soon as possible.
