UPDATED MAY 7, 2026: David Renteria, a CAL FIRE firefighter and paramedic, has now been accused of raping 3 women while on duty, reports from KTLA confirm. If you or someone you love has been victimized, contact Dordulian Law Group today for your free & confidential consultation.
David Renteria, a Cal Fire firefighter-paramedic, has been arrested on multiple felony sexual assault charges following an investigation in Riverside County. Renteria, 51, of Placentia, was taken into custody on April 24, 2026, after investigators with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force gathered sufficient evidence to obtain a search warrant for his home. Two victims have come forward thus far, and detectives believe there may be additional survivors who have not yet reported what happened to them.
If you or someone you love has been victimized by Renteria (or anyone in a similar position of public trust), you have legal options beyond the criminal justice system. A civil lawsuit can provide survivors with financial compensation, a measure of closure, and a formal record of accountability. The sexual assault civil litigation attorneys at Dordulian Law Group are here to guide you through every step. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM today for a free, confidential case evaluation.
The investigation into Renteria began in March 2026. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, a multi-agency unit dedicated to combating sex crimes and exploitation, received information indicating that Renteria had allegedly been involved in two separate sexual assaults. Investigators gathered evidence over several weeks before securing a search warrant for his home on the 1000 block of Magnolia Avenue in Placentia, where he was taken into custody on April 24.
According to a report from KTLA News, David Renteria was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center on a serious set of charges, including:
Cal Fire confirmed that Renteria was placed on administrative leave on January 4, 2026, the date the agency was first made aware of the allegations. The agency stated that it has fully cooperated with the sheriff’s office throughout the investigation and that it remains committed to accountability. Renteria has not returned to duty since being placed on administrative leave.
One of the most important details in this case is that investigators with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department believe there may be more survivors beyond the two who have already come forward. This is common in sexual assault cases involving perpetrators who hold positions of authority or public trust. Many survivors delay reporting, or never report at all, because of fear, shame, disbelief about whether they will be taken seriously, or uncertainty about whether what happened to them constitutes a crime.
Renteria’s role as a firefighter-paramedic means he may have had contact with vulnerable individuals under circumstances that created opportunities for abuse. If he used his professional status or the trust placed in first responders to gain access to victims, the scope of harm may be far greater than what has currently been disclosed.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have been victimized or who has relevant information to contact Investigator Joe Riddle at 951-955-1700 or by email at [email protected]. The public may also call Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099.
If you are a survivor who is hesitant to go to law enforcement, know that you also have the option to speak confidentially with a civil attorney. Our team can walk you through your options and help you decide the path that feels right for you, with no obligation and no pressure.
Many survivors do not realize that the criminal and civil court systems operate completely independently of one another. A criminal case is pursued by the government, with prosecutors working to punish the offender through incarceration or other penalties. A civil lawsuit is brought by the survivor directly and is focused on securing financial compensation for the harm suffered.
This distinction is critical for several reasons. First, a criminal conviction is not required to win a civil lawsuit. The legal standard in civil court, known as a “preponderance of the evidence,” simply requires showing that it is more likely than not that the assault occurred. This is a meaningfully lower bar than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard applied in criminal proceedings. Even if criminal charges are later reduced, dismissed, or result in an acquittal, survivors may still prevail in a civil action.
Second, civil lawsuits can result in compensation that criminal cases simply cannot provide. Recoverable damages may include medical and psychiatric treatment costs, therapy expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases punitive damages designed to financially punish particularly egregious conduct.
Third, when an employee of a government agency commits sexual assault, there may be additional civil liability beyond the individual perpetrator. If Cal Fire or another institution failed to properly screen, supervise, or respond to complaints about Renteria, a claim for institutional negligence may be viable. These cases involve specific legal rules and strict notice requirements under California’s Government Claims Act, so it is essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
California has enacted some of the most progressive legal protections for sexual assault survivors in the country. Over the past several years, the state legislature has dramatically expanded the rights of survivors to pursue civil claims, including by extending or eliminating statutes of limitations in certain circumstances.
California AB 2777 (also known as the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act), and California AB 250 (also known as the Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations Extension Act), are two key statutes that expanded the civil legal rights of adult sexual assault survivors in California. AB 2777 opened a three-year revival window allowing survivors whose claims had previously expired under the old statute of limitations to file new civil lawsuits. AB 250 further strengthened protections for survivors by allowing certain claims to be pursued that would otherwise have been barred. Together, these laws reflect California’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that survivors have a meaningful opportunity to pursue justice, even years after an assault occurred.
Whether AB 2777, AB 250, or other applicable statutes cover your situation is a question best answered by an experienced California sexual assault attorney. The attorneys at Dordulian Law Group stay current on all developments in California survivor rights law and can provide a clear assessment of where your case stands.
At Dordulian Law Group (DLG), we understand that the decision to pursue legal action after a sexual assault is profoundly personal. Our dedicated Sexual Assault Justice and Empowerment (SAJE) Team was created specifically to serve survivors of sexual violence, providing trauma-informed legal representation, compassionate support, and relentless advocacy from the first consultation through trial if necessary.
Sexual assault attorney Sam Dordulian brings credentials that are uniquely suited to civil sexual assault cases. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County, Sam spent years working alongside law enforcement to hold sexual predators accountable. He understands how these investigations unfold, what evidence matters, and how to build the strongest possible case on behalf of survivors in civil court. Sam has earned more than 100 jury trial victories throughout his career, and that courtroom experience informs everything his team does.
DLG has an outstanding 98% winning record and has recovered more than $150 million in settlements and verdicts for clients. The SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) has handled cases involving assault by government employees, medical professionals, educators, clergy, and others who exploited positions of authority and trust. We know how to hold not only the individual responsible, but also the institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the harm.
We also know that every survivor’s situation is different. Some clients want to pursue an aggressive public lawsuit. Others prefer a more private resolution. Our team will listen to your goals and craft a legal strategy that serves your needs, your wellbeing, and your pursuit of justice. All consultations are completely free and strictly confidential.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the actions of David Renteria or any other perpetrator, do not wait. California law has specific deadlines that may apply to your case, and early legal intervention can make a meaningful difference in the outcome. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM or visit our civil sexual assault practice page to get started.
Yes. Civil lawsuits are entirely independent of criminal cases. You are not required to have filed a police report in order to pursue a civil claim for damages resulting from sexual assault. Many survivors choose to proceed with a civil lawsuit while also cooperating with law enforcement, but the two paths can also be pursued separately.
California has significantly expanded the statute of limitations for civil sexual assault claims. In certain cases, there may be no time limit at all. An attorney can review the specific facts of your situation and advise you on whether your claim is still viable. Do not assume that too much time has passed without consulting a lawyer first.
Potentially, yes. If it can be shown that Cal Fire or another agency was negligent in hiring, supervising, or retaining an employee who committed sexual assault, you may have a valid third-party liability claim against the institution. Cases involving government defendants are subject to specific procedural rules, including strict deadlines for filing a Government Tort Claim. Speaking with an attorney promptly is essential.
Compensation in civil sexual assault cases can include the cost of medical treatment and therapy, lost wages and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages. The specific damages available in your case depend on the facts and circumstances involved.
DLG handles civil sexual assault cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we win your case. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential.
The arrest of David Renteria is an important reminder that sexual violence can come from those we least expect, including people entrusted with protecting our communities. Survivors of his alleged crimes, and of any sexual assault, deserve to be heard, believed, and represented with the skill and compassion their cases require.
Dordulian Law Group and the SAJE Team are ready to stand by your side. Whether you are a survivor, a family member seeking answers, or someone with information about additional victims, we encourage you to reach out. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM today for a free, confidential case evaluation. Justice is possible. We are here to help you pursue it.
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