HomeMy WebLinkAboutRe_ Public Comment - Referral of Sonny Aguilera Matter to DA by SBPD_RedactedFrom:
To:PublicComments
Cc:Council; Eric Levitt; Attorney
Subject:Re: Public Comment - Referral of Sonny Aguilera Matter to DA by SBPD
Date:Wednesday, September 16, 2026 2:58:14 PM
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City Council and Executive Leadership,
I’m writing to request clear information regarding whether any criminal charges have been
referred to the San Bernardino County District Attorney in connection with the documented
sexual assaults committed by former SBPD Officer Sonny Aguilera.
As you know, a federal judge found Aguilera liable for sexual battery, false imprisonment,
negligence, and civil‑rights violations after multiple coercive sexual assaults in 2022. The
court’s findings describe conduct that meets several California criminal statutes, including
sexual battery, false imprisonment, assault under color of authority, and coercive acts
involving a police‑issued firearm.
Under California law and standard policing practice, SBPD leadership has a duty to report
potential criminal conduct by officers to the appropriate prosecuting agency. This includes:
Mandatory referral of criminal conduct under Penal Code §§ 832.5 and 832.7
Reporting abuse under color of authority under Government Code § 12525.2
Separate criminal investigation requirements for sexual assault and coercive acts by
peace officers
POST reporting obligations, which were ultimately fulfilled
Given the severity of the conduct and the court’s findings, I am requesting confirmation of
the following:
1. Whether SBPD leadership referred Aguilera’s conduct to the District Attorney for
criminal review.
2. If so, the date of referral and the scope of materials provided.
3. If not, the legal basis for declining to refer conduct that meets multiple criminal
statutes.
4. Whether any outside agency was asked to conduct a criminal investigation, as
required when misconduct involves sexual assault or coercion under color of
The public record shows civil accountability and POST decertification, but it does not show
whether criminal referral occurred. Given the gravity of the findings, the community
deserves clarity on whether the mandatory reporting obligations were met.
Please provide a response outlining the actions taken by SBPD leadership, the City
Manager’s Office, Human Resources, and the City Attorney’s Office regarding criminal
referral and compliance with mandatory reporting laws.
Thank you for your attention to this matter