"An Orange County sheriff's deputy is out on bail after being arrested this week in connection with the reported sexual assault of an incarcerated woman. The 29-year-old deputy, Leobardo Martinez Garcia, was arrested Wednesday, two weeks after the victim made a report, according to authorities. In March 2025, the victim was in custody and being treated at a local hospital when Martinez Garcia assaulted her, authorities allege."
"Orange County investigators "immediately" began the investigation, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, and conducted interviews and analyzed "digital evidence," which could include phone and email records, as well as search warrants. The information uncovered was adequate enough to warrant the arrest of Martinez Garcia on suspicion of felony sexual battery and assault under the color of authority, and he was detained in the Santa Ana Jail."
A 29-year-old Orange County sheriff's deputy, Leobardo Martinez Garcia, was arrested on suspicion of felony sexual battery and assault under the color of authority after an incarcerated woman reported a March 2025 hospital assault. The victim, now jailed in Orange County, reported the alleged assault on Oct. 14. Investigators immediately conducted interviews and analyzed digital evidence, including phone and email records and search warrants. The investigation produced information sufficient to arrest Martinez Garcia, who was detained in the Santa Ana Jail, released on bond, and placed on paid leave while the probe continues. The case will be submitted to the district attorney or another agency.
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