A sergeant from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s School Resources Unit has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a colleague during a house party, officials said.
Ricardo Garcia was charged with one count of sexual assault Wednesday night, said Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
The incident occurred in December when Garcia held a house party for his unit, the school’s resource officers.The party was attended by several members of the squad, according to Nanos.
The department opened a criminal investigation into the alleged sexual assault on December 18.
Garcia took paid leave the morning the department learned about the incident, Nanos said.
Nanos has since said he has obtained lab reports that add more evidence to the case, resulting in criminal charges being filed against Garcia. The case is being handled by the Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office.
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“Sergeant Garcia has denied the allegations and we are cooperating with the investigation,” said Garcia’s attorney, Luis Fidel. “We are confident in the conclusion of this case. He has been found not guilty.” will be.”
Nanos said it was providing “as much assistance as possible” to the alleged victim.
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Please contact her on her email. jdonnelly@tucson.com
