Long Beach police officer, Noe Yanez, 40, who was arrested for possession of child , was released on bond the following day, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Lisa Massacani, LB police public information officer, told Patch that he was being held in lieu of $150,000 bail. However, the Los Angeles Times, which cited the sheriff's department as a source, reported the bail amount to be $20,000. In some cases, a judge may reduce the bail amount depending on the circumstances.
, was arrested following an internal investigation by the Long Beach Police Department. At this time, it is unclear where the officer was stationed.
Police allege that Yanez first came into contact with the teenager during the course of his employment with the department and began contacting the minor via text messages.
As the communication between the two progressed, police allege that Yanez solicited inappropriate photographs of the victim. Sometime in April, the victim reported the incident to a school resource officer and LB police began an immediate investigation.
According to officials, significant resources--including multiple search warrants--were utilized to uncover the extent of contact between Yanez and the victim.
Sources familiar with case have told the Los Angeles Times that LB police detective have not ruled out the possibility of more victims. Department Investigators have gathered phone records and are attemptinging to identify the extent of Yanez’s activity, reported the LA Times.
The officer has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal affairs investigation.
Yanez is also listed in a class action lawsuit filed by Long Beach police officers against the city in 2009, according to court documents given to the Long Beach Press-Telegram by City Attorney Bob Shannon three years ago. The officer was one of 56 others who filed a class-action lawsuit against the city in 2009.
The suit sought compensation for unpaid time while performing routine tasks, such as shaving, shining their boots or walking to debriefings, and was settled after the city agreed to pay 47 vacation hours to around 900 former and current officers, and pay $300,000 in attorney fees, according to the Press-Telegram.
The case cost the city more than $1 million in fees and other costs, according to a 2009 report by the Press-Telegram. Yanez had requested compensation for shaving.
Last year, an LB police officer was arrested after his wife found him having sex with a minor, reported the LA Times. Detective Erik Alvarez of Upland resigned and was convicted, receiving a two-year prison sentence for having a sexual relationship with the minor, who was 15-years-old when their relations began, the LA Times reported.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Justice System Integrity Division will handle the criminal prosecution against Yanez, said officials.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact the Long Beach Police Department Sex Crimes Detail Tip Line at (562) 570-7878.
Anonymous tips may be submitted via text or email by visiting www.tipsoft.com.
