7 Bay Area officers face charges in sexual exploitation scandal
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley announced her charging decisions Friday in the Bay Area sexual exploitation scandal involving the self-described call girl who went by the alias ‘Celeste Guap'. In some cases Guap said she was still underage when she allegedly had sex with some officers.
District Attorney O’Malley announced she will file charges against five Oakland current or former officers, one Livermore officer and one Contra Costa County deputy.
The following officers face charges:
Ricardo Perez, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office (resigned)
One Count of Penal Code Section 288a(b)(1), a Felony, Oral Copulation with a Minor, Two Counts of Penal Count of Penal Code Section 647(a), Engaging in a Lewd Act in a Public Place.
Dan Black, Livermore Police Department (resigned)
Two counts of Penal Code 647(b), Engaging in An Act of Prostitution, misdemeanors, Two Counts of Penal Code Section 647(a), Engaging in a Lewd Act in a Public Place, misdemeanors.
Brian Bunton, Oakland Police Department
One count of Penal Code Section 182(a)(5), a Felony, Obstruction of Justice, One count of Penal Code Section 647(b), Engaging in an Act of Prostitution, a misdemeanor.
Warit Uttapa, Oakland Police Department
One count of Penal Code Section 502, a misdemeanor, Knowingly and without Permission, Conducting a Search of Official Criminal Justice Data and Computer Systems without an Authorized Purpose.
Terryl Smith, Oakland Police Department (Resigned)
Four counts of Penal Code Section 502, misdemeanors, knowingly and without permission, Conducting a Search of Official Criminal Justice Data and Computer Systems without an Authorized Purpose.
Sgt. Leroy Johnson, Oakland Police Department (Retired)
One count of Penal Code Section 11172, failure to report.
One Count of Penal Code Section 288a(b)(1), a Felony, oral copulation with a minor
Mobile app users can watch the District Attorney's video here.
District Attorney O'Malley says her office had launched an independent investigation. "It is our duty to conduct a fair and impartial review," she said.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf praised the decision to pursue criminal charges.
“I am grateful to District Attorney Nancy O’Malley’s office for agreeing to conduct a parallel and independent criminal investigation in this matter," the mayor said in a written statement. "The results of both the administrative and criminal investigations make it clear that misconduct will not be tolerated.”
The investigation team reviewed 15,000 pages of data going back to January of 2015. This included text messages, images, multimedia messages, Facebook posts and Instagram posts.
"We left no stone unturned in regards to the evidence," said District Attorney O'Malley.
This comes on the heels of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf’s announcement on Wednesday regarding the firings of four officers for sexual misconduct related to the same case.
Seven more officers face suspension without pay and one will receive counseling and training.
On Wednesday Schaaf said the Alameda County District Attorney’s office was wrapping up its own investigation.
A Livermore police officer involved in the Bay Area law enforcement sex-exploitation scandal had resigned on Thursday.
According to the City of Livermore, Livermore police became aware June 14 that one of its officers had a sexual relationship with Guap.
The officer was placed on leave amid an investigation. "The investigation has concluded and the officer involved subsequently submitted a letter of resignation," according to the city.
Police Chief Michael Harris stated, “This incident does not accurately reflect the professionalism of the men and women of the Livermore Police Department who protect our community every day. Now that this matter has reached a conclusion, we will move forward and continue to serve with honor and protect with purpose. I would like to thank our community for their continued support and patience as we completed this investigation.”