Oakland officer first of several cops arraigned in sex scandal

Laura Anthony Image
ByLaura Anthony KGO logo
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Oakland officer first of several cops arraigned in sex scandal
The first of many police officers criminally charged in a widespread sex scandal was arraigned Friday in a Hayward courtroom.

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- The first of many police officers criminally charged in a widespread sex scandal was arraigned Friday in a Hayward courtroom.

A solemn Oakland police Officer Brian Bunton walked into an Alameda County Friday. He is among seven East Bay police officers charged for their alleged involvement with a young woman who went by the name Celeste Guap, and claimed to have had sex with dozens of officers.

RELATED: I-TEAM EXCLUSIVE: Livermore cop speaks out about sex scandal

Her real name is Jasmine Abuslin and she daughter of an OPD dispatcher.

On the force for just two years, Bunton stands accused of felony obstruction of justice for allegedly texting Abuslin in March with a warning to stay away from a police sting operation. His screen name, "Superman."

He's also charged with misdemeanor engaging in prostitution.

"Officer Bunton did cooperate in the investigation. He gave a full statement. In that statement, he expressed remorse and took responsibility for some of the action that they were discussing," said Bunton's arttorney Dirk Manoukian

Among those in court for Bunton's arraignment was Pamela price, the attorney for Jasmine Abuslin.

RELATED: Attorney says more victims coming forward in Bay Area police sex scandal

"We hope that Brian Bunton will also talk about what he knows about the conspiracy and the scope of this problem within the Oakland Police Department," Price said.

RELATED: City of Richmond announces discipline recommendations for 9 cops tied to teen sex scandal

Married with children, the 40-year-old Bunton has until Monday to be booked and post bail of $12,500 at the Santa Rita Jail.

Click here for full coverage on the Bay Area police sex scandal.