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Sheriff's Deputy Faces Charges for Alleged Sexual Relationship With Teen Girl in Explorer Program
A 36-year-old man who has worked for 10 years as a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy is facing criminal charges for his alleged relationship with a minor female.
Manuel Enrique Perallon Jr., was charged today with one felony count of oral copulation of a person under 18 and misdemeanor child molesting, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Perallon was arrested Wednesday and was subsequently released on $70,000 bond.
The alleged relationship took place between April 29 and May 1, 2011. The victim, 16 at the time, was involved in the Explorer program, which Perallon oversaw at the Cerritos Station.
According to LASD spokesman Steve Whitmore, when the allegations of misconduct were brought to the law enforcement agency's attention, an investigation was launched immediately, reports Cerritos Patch.
As the investigation got underway, in August 2011 Perallon was relieved of duty with pay.
"The investigation determined that Perallon had victimized the teen, Whitmore said, over the span of several months, sometimes while the deputy was on duty," according to L.A Now.
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Perallon turned himself in without incident.As of his arrest Wednesday, Perallon was officially relieved of duty without pay, says Whitmore.
Arraignment is scheduled for May 16. If convicted, Perallon faces a maximum prison term of four years, notes the DA's office.
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