Former Contra Costa Co. deputy arraigned in sex scandal
HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- A former Contra Costa County Sheriff's deputy was arraigned on Friday on felony sex charges in a scandal involving numerous police officers.
Attorneys for the young female accuser said they've also filed legal action on her behalf.
Sheriff's Deputy Ricardo Perez resigned from his post early this summer as details of the sex scandal unfolded. He reportedly had sex with Jasmine Abuslin, a 19-year-old woman who went by the moniker Celeste Guap.
RELATED: Oakland officer first of several cops arraigned in sex scandal
ABC7 News is identifying her because she and her lawyers revealed her name publicly.
Perez, 28, has been accused of criminal sex charges with Abuslin, who was a minor at the time.
Perez pleaded not guilty.
The judge released him on his own recognizance. It angered Abuslin's attorneys, who were in court.
"There's a double standard because he's a police officer, he's being treated specially. If he were a black man charged with a felony he would certainly have to post bail," attorney Pamela Price said.
Perez is one of five law enforcement officers to be charged by Alameda County prosecutors.
They include Oakland police officers and a Livermore officer.
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Oakland Police Officer Brian Bunton was arraigned a week ago on charges associated with the case.
After court on Friday, Abuslin's lawyers said they had filed claims against six Bay Area cities and counties for failure to protect the young woman who was sexually exploited.
The claim is for millions of dollars. "I don't remember the exact amount but it roughly breaks down to $6 million per officer involved," attorney Cabral Bonner said.
Alameda prosecutors have yet to charge an Oakland officer and another who resigned in the wake of the investigation.
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A third officer has been charged but his case was continued Friday.
Click here for full coverage on the Bay Area police sex scandal.
