News Blog
Seaside Cop Arrested for Assault and Battery
March 8, 2011
A Seaside police officer was arrested and booked in Monterey County Jail on March 7. Officer Salvador Reynaga was booked with eight felony charges--two counts of assault under cover of authority and six counts of sexual battery. One adult woman victim, whose identity the district attorney is keeping confidential, reported the crimes occurred in late February on two occasions.
"No one is above the law, and those that violate it should be held accountable, if they are found guilty," said Frank Martin, president of the Seaside Police Officer's Association, in a statement urging the public to "remember that every citizen is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law." Martin, a patrol sergeant in the Seaside police department, would not comment specifically on the charges against Reynaga and says, "We just have to make sure that our members' rights are protected."
The association helps its members cover legal fees, though Martin could not specify in what amount. The association contracts with the Sacramento-based law firm Mastagni, Holstedt, Amick, Miller & Johnsen to represent its members.
Martin also requested the press not try to contact Reynaga or his family both "out of respect" and because "it is not in the investigation's best interests at this time."
Reynaga was released on $50,000 bail about 3 hours after he was booked in jail. The normal fee schedule would have set bail at about $20,000, but the district attorney's office asked the judge to set bail higher because of the violent nature of the crimes, according to Terry Spitz, chief assistant to the DA.
Reynaga is scheduled to be arraigned March 15.
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