UPDATED OCTOBER 1, 2025: New allegations of sexual assault have been made against former Menifee police officer Juan Pesina. On Monday, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office filed additional charges due to new findings made by investigators.
In addition to the original charges, prosecutors’ amended complaint contained four more sexual battery counts, two counts of extortion, and one count of acceptance of a bribe.
Juan Pesina pleaded not guilty to all charges Monday. He is scheduled for a felony settlement conference at the end of 2025. Pesina remains in jail custody without the possibility of bail. If convicted on all charges, Juan Pesina faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Menifee police officer Juan Pesina has been arrested following multiple allegations of sexual assault, according to a report from KTLA. Here’s the overview:
Are you a victim of Menifee Police Officer Juan Pesina? Contact D Law Group’s Riverside sexual assault lawyers now for your FREE CONSULTATION at (866) GO-SEE-SAM.
Menifee Police Officer Sexual Assault Charges
In July, the Menifee Police Department received a complaint alleging sexual assault by one of their officers. An internal investigation quickly identified Juan Pesina as the suspect, prompting the department to request an independent investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to ensure impartiality.
As the investigation progressed, a disturbing pattern emerged. Pesina was initially accused of sexually assaulting a person during an on-duty investigation. However, detectives soon uncovered additional victims, with incidents occurring both on and off duty between 2023 and 2024.
The Arrest and Charges Against Officer Juan Pesina
The investigation culminated on August 12, 2023, when authorities executed search warrants at Pesina’s home and workplace. Additional evidence related to the case was discovered during these searches, according to a FOX 11 report.
Juan Pesina was subsequently arrested and faces multiple felony charges, including:
The charges are severe, reflecting the gravity of the alleged crimes and the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions.
How to File Your Officer Juan Pesina Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Any victim of Menifee Police Officer Juan Pesina may choose to pursue justice through a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation. Sadly, police sexual misconduct has been widely reported throughout the nation. In most police sexual assault civil claims, notice of a pattern of misconduct is key to winning a case.
However, in the case of Juan Pesina, a California appellate court decision makes any police department vicariously liable for the actions of a cop under its employ if that cop commits sexual assault while on duty. The courts made an exception to the notice rule after police were granted the power to detain and frisk members of the public (who must comply). As a result, if a police officer takes advantage of that power and sexually assaults someone, the courts have determined that the respective police department is vicariously liable.
By filing a civil lawsuit with D Law Group’s trusted police sexual misconduct attorneys, victims may be eligible to secure various damages through a cash settlement or jury trial verdict:
To speak with a member of our SAJE Team (Sexual Abuse Justice Experts), please call (866) GO-SEE-SAM for your free & confidential attorney consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case and help you secure justice through maximum financial compensation.
About Dordulian Law Group’s Sexual Assault Lawyers
Dordulian Law Group was founded by Sam Dordulian, a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County. Prior to founding D Law Group, Dordulian worked tirelessly to successfully secure life sentences against countless sex offenders, thereby making our communities safer.
Today, he and the D Law Group SAJE Team help victims of sexual abuse secure justice through civil claims. Dordulian and his team have helped clients obtain more than $200 million in settlements and verdicts while maintaining a near-perfect 98% winning record in all cases.
Menifee Police Department Investigation and Response Following Officer Juan Pesina’s Arrest
The Menifee Police Department’s took action following reports of sexual misconduct by one of its officers. Upon receiving the reports, they launched an internal investigation with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
A spokesperson for the Menifee Police Department stated:
“We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of integrity in law enforcement. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and will continue to cooperate fully with investigative authorities.”
On-Duty Police Sexual Assault: A Betrayal of Trust
One of the most troubling aspects of this case is the allegation that some of the assaults occurred while Pesina was on duty. This abuse of power and betrayal of public trust is particularly egregious, as police officers are sworn to protect and serve their communities.
The revelation that a uniformed officer may have used his position to commit such heinous acts has understandably shaken public confidence in law enforcement. It serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous screening, training, and oversight within police departments.
As stated earlier, in the Juan Pesina sexual misconduct case, the appellate court decision makes the police department vicariously liable for his actions while on duty. As a result, victims who wish to file civil lawsuits seeking financial compensation do not need to prove notice. The courts made an exception to the notice rule after police were granted the power to detain and frisk members of the public. California police departments are now responsible for any officer who takes advantage of that power and sexually assaults a member of the public while on duty.
Supporting Sexual Assault Victims in Riverside County
As the investigation continues, authorities believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information related to the case to contact Investigator Andrade at (951) 955-1701, referencing case number MB25-205-0002.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions About the Arrest of Officer Juan Pesina)
Why was Menifee Police Officer Juan Pesina Arrested?
Juan Pesina, an officer with the Menifee Police Department, was arrested on four felony sex crime charges – including rape and sodomy – after receiving reports of sexual misconduct from members of the public.
What should I do if I have information about this case or other incidents of police misconduct?
If you have information related to the Juan Pesina case, contact Riverside County Sheriff Investigator Andrade at 951-955-1701, referencing case number MB25-205-0002. For other incidents of police misconduct, report them to your local police department’s internal affairs division or the district attorney’s office. If you wish to speak to an attorney about your civil claim for damages, contact California’s trusted sexual assault attorneys at D Law Group by calling (866) GO-SEE-SAM.
How can communities work to prevent police misconduct?
Communities can prevent police misconduct by advocating for transparent hiring practices, supporting comprehensive training programs, encouraging civilian oversight boards, and fostering open communication between law enforcement and residents.
What support is available for sexual assault survivors in Riverside County?
Riverside County offers various resources for sexual assault survivors, including counseling services, support groups, and legal advocacy. Contact local organizations such as the Crime Survivors Resource Center (CSRC), the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center, or the Riverside County Family Justice Center for assistance.
How do internal affairs investigations work in police departments?
Internal affairs investigations typically involve a specialized unit within the police department that investigates complaints against officers. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine if disciplinary action or criminal charges are warranted. In some cases, external agencies may be involved to ensure impartiality.
What steps can police departments take to rebuild trust after incidents of misconduct?
Police departments can rebuild trust by being transparent about the investigation and its outcomes, implementing policy changes to prevent future misconduct, increasing community engagement efforts, and demonstrating a commitment to holding officers accountable for their actions.
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