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San Bernardino sheriff suspends Explorer Scout program after sex incidents
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has suspended its Explorer Scout program after two deputies were accused of having sex with underage girls enrolled in the program.
The Explorer Scout program offers young people a chance to experience police work first hand. The incidents allegedly occurred while female Scouts were on patrol with the deputies.
The latest involves a 17-year-old girl and Victorville deputy Anthony Benjamin. He’s been arrested on suspicion of sex with a minor. Highland Deputy Nathan Gastineau was arrested two weeks ago for allegedly committing a lewd act with a 16-year-old girl. Both deputies are on paid leave.
“As the sheriff of San Bernardino County and a parent myself, this is very disheartening,” said San Bernardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops, who suspended the Explorer program for at least 60 days.
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He wants staff to review it with a “fine tooth comb.”
“We’re going to be looking at everything from training and selection of people involved in the Explorer program,” said Hoops. “We’re going through our entire Explorer policy to see if there’s something we need to change to prevent this from happening.”
A sex crimes investigator with the San Bernardino County district attorney’s office is assisting with the review.
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