| For Immediate Release February 25th, 2005 |
Contact: | Mark Macaulay Media Relations Spokesperson (714) 347-8405 |
FORMER POLICE OFFICER CHARGED WITH THREE FELONY SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNTS COMMITTED WHILE ON DUTY
Santa Ana— Former Irvine Police Officer David Alex Park, 29, of Lake Forest, has been charged with two counts of sexual battery and one count of sexual penetration by a foreign object by threatening to use the authority of a public official. If convicted on all counts, Park faces a sentence between probation to 10 years in state prison and would be required to register as a sex offender.
On the evening of December 14, 2004, Jane Doe left Captain Cream’s Adult Dance Club located in an area near Irvine and headed home. Park, who was on duty, is accused of following Jane Doe in his marked, police vehicle and pulling her over using his emergency lights in Laguna Beach. This location was on a secluded stretch of the 133 Highway near the 73 Toll Road. Park is accused of requesting a sex act in return for allowing Jane Doe to leave without a citation. Jane Doe reported the incident to authorities early the next morning.
“Crimes like these hurt law enforcement because it violates the public trust. The charges against Mr. Park should in no way reflect poorly on Irvine Police officers or other law enforcement officers who work day in and day out to protect our community,” said Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. “The Irvine Police Department led by Chief David Maggard was completely cooperative in helping us investigate and bring charges in this case.”
Park was booked into the Orange County Jail at approximately 3 PM this afternoon and posted $100,000 bail. The date for his first court appearance has not been set. Deputy District Attorney Steve McGreevy in the Sexual Assault Unit has been assigned to prosecute the case.
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