Sheriff’s sergeant accused of demanding sexual favors in return for days off
A Los Angeles County sheriff’s sergeant allegedly forced a subordinate to perform sexual favors in exchange for granting her time-off requests, according to a report.
Sgt. Michael John Spina’s alleged lewd behavior began in February 2016, when he asked if he could grope the female deputy in order to “get himself off,” the LA Times reported, citing court documents.
The victim complied, fearing if she didn’t, she wouldn’t be given the time off.
Spina, 37, allegedly unzipped his pants and fondled the woman’s breast while trying to kiss her. When the woman turned away, he exclaimed that he was “bored” and walked away.
During another instance in July 2016, Spina called the victim into his office at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility and locked the door, the paper reported. He told her that she “owed” him for giving her a day off.
The sergeant then fondled the woman’s breast while watching porn and masturbating, according to the report.
Spina also allegedly asked the woman in June 2016 if he could perform a sexual act on her. She repeatedly told him no.
The sergeant, who joined the department in 2001, was arrested Aug. 9 and charged with sexual battery, false imprisonment and indecent exposure.
He has been placed on administrative leave.
Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said confidentiality laws barred her from saying whether Spina is still being paid or answering questions about whether other female subordinates were involved.
“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department expects all of its members to hold themselves to the highest ethical and professional standards at all times and has a comprehensive Policy of Equality for reporting alleged incidents of this nature,” the department said in a statement.