There are troubling developments in the case of a San Diego Police Officer accused of sexual misconduct. An attorney for one of the alleged victims is now sharing specific details of their encounter. The allegations are sexual in nature and not appropriate for younger viewers. NBC 7’s Artie Ojeda has more.
A San Diego police officer was booked into jail Sunday, accused of false imprisonment with violence and sexual battery charges.
Officer Christopher Hays, 30, was taken into police custody after the District Attorney's Office and Hays' attorney negotiated a self-surrender for Sunday afternoon. He posted his $130,000 bail.
No charges have been filed and the case is under review for potential criminal charges. An arraignment has been scheduled for Feb. 18.
Hays is at the center of two investigations for improper pat downs and for getting sexual gratification while doing it.
He's the second SDPD officer accused of preying on women while on duty.
In November 2011, jurors convicted former police officer Anthony Arevalos of multiple sex crimes that occurred while Arevalos was in police uniform and on patrol in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.
The alleged incidents involving Hays began one year after Arevalos’ conviction, happening from November 2012 through December 2013.
Five victims have come forward to police, according to SDPD Chief William Lansdowne. A sixth woman, who is accusing Hays of assaulting her, sought help from a local attorney.
Four of the six cases have been filed with the DA's Office, according to Lansdowne.
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The jail's website says that Hays faces two felony counts of false imprisonment with violence and three misdemeanor counts of sexual battery, all stemming from allegations by the first four women who came forward.
After a first victim came forward, an SDPD internal affairs investigation led to three other possible victims, Lansdowne announced Thursday.
The last two came forward after the story broke.
Lansdowne maintains that there was no skin-to-skin contact in five of the alleged encounters, but the sixth case, which has not been investigated by police and was brought through attorney Dan Gilleon, claims there was a sexual contact.
"It was generally, if you don't do this, I'm going to get you arrested and take you to jail," Gilleon said. "She felt like there was no choice. She gave him oral sex, and he demanded it."
The alleged incidents took place between Nov. 12, 2012 and Dec. 23, 2013, and the women range in age from 20 to 30 years old.
Gilleon said the alleged incident involving his client happened in October 2012.
Lansdowne said the SDPD internal investigation should be completed by the end of this week, and if Hays is found guilty, he could be terminated.
Hays could face more charges when the DA reviews the latest allegations.
Hays is now on unpaid leave and has been relieved of police responsibilities.
