A Menifee police officer was arrested on suspicion of rape and committing other crimes on Tuesday, Aug. 12, after a complaint was lodged against him and an investigation found others who authorities believe were victims.
Juan Jose Pesina, a 32-year-old Menifee resident, was also booked into the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center in French Valley on suspicion of sodomy, sexual battery and oral copulation by force, all felonies, Riverside County jail records show.
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Pesina was being held in lieu of $1 million bail. He had not been charged as of Wednesday.
The investigation began in July when Menifee police received an allegation of an attack by an on-duty officer who was not identified by name in the report. Detectives determined that an officer was involved, so the department handed off the investigation to the Sheriff’s Department, a Menifee police news release said.
“During the course of our investigation, additional victims were identified in incidents that had occurred in Riverside County between 2023 and 2024,” a sheriff’s news release said. “Investigators determined that Pesina encountered these victims while on duty and off duty.”
Pesina was arrested at the Southwest Justice Center. Deputies served a search warrant at his home and sheriff’s station and found evidence, the release said.
Pesina worked for the Los Angeles Police Department from 2018 until he resigned on Dec. 1, 2024, joining Menifee police four days later, according to the National Police Index, a database of law enforcement officers.
Menifee Police Chief Chris Karrer said in a video posted on social media that the allegations against Pesina should not reflect on the rest of the department.
“We understand the impact this news may have on the public’s trust,” Karrer said. “Let me assure you, we are committed to accountability both externally and in our own ranks. We recognized our badge is not a shield from accountability. It is a symbol of service, integrity and responsibility.”
The Sheriff’s Department asks anyone with information on Pesina to call 951-955-1701.