Dead OC Deputy Was to Be Arrested for Child Molestation

Officials still haven't determined whether or not the Orange County Sheriff's deputy found dead in an unmarked car yesterday shot himself or was a homicide victim. BUT...

Just hours before he was found, [41-year-old Gerald] Stenger was charged Wednesday morning with molesting a 12-year-old boy for two years after meeting him through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County. Stenger was charged with one felony count of lewd acts on a child younger than 14 and one felony count of continuous sexual abuse, with a sentencing enhancement allegation for substantial sexual conduct. -- OC Register

The molestation allegedly occurred between 1995 and 1997 but the case wasn't brought to the Sheriff's department until last year. Stenger was considered a possible suicide risk if charged, according to the District Attorney's office and the case documents were sealed. Authorities are investigating if or how Stenger might have become aware of his impending arrest.

Photo of unrelated Crown Vic by Robert Whitlock via flickr.