Charges Filed Against Former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy for Sexual Assault
Background
A former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, Benny Vincente Caluya Jr., 68, has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl this summer in Lancaster. Caluya, who left the department in 2001, is accused of committing the crimes along with his co-defendant and nephew, Clifford Leimana Abihai, 49.
Charges and Pleas
Caluya is charged with one felony count each of lewd act on a child age 14 or 15 and sale or furnishing a controlled substance to a minor. Abihai is charged with one felony count of sale or furnishing a controlled substance to a minor. Both men have pleaded not guilty and are free on bond that was posted last month.
Allegations
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Caluya and Abihai picked up the teenager as she walked alone in Lancaster in late August and provided her with methamphetamine. Caluya is accused of sexually assaulting the girl at his Lancaster home.
Response from Authorities
"We stand firmly in solidarity with this courageous teenage survivor, a young girl whose vulnerability was exploited," said District Attorney George Gascón in a statement. "It is particularly egregious that a former law enforcement officer sexually preyed upon a teenage girl and along with his accomplice supplied her with methamphetamine."
Upcoming Court Hearing
Caluya and Abihai are due back in a Lancaster courtroom on November 12, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to allow the case against them to proceed to trial.
Conclusion
The allegations against Caluya and Abihai are a stark reminder of the harm that can be caused when individuals in positions of power and trust abuse their authority. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are committed to seeking justice for the teenage victim and holding those responsible accountable.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Benny Vincente Caluya Jr.?
A: Caluya is charged with one felony count each of lewd act on a child age 14 or 15 and sale or furnishing a controlled substance to a minor.
Q: Who is Clifford Leimana Abihai, and what are the charges against him?
A: Abihai is Caluya’s nephew, and he is charged with one felony count of sale or furnishing a controlled substance to a minor.
Q: What is the next step in the case against Caluya and Abihai?
A: Caluya and Abihai are due back in court on November 12, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to allow the case against them to proceed to trial.
Q: What did the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office say about the case?
A: District Attorney George Gascón said that the agency stands firmly in solidarity with the teenage survivor and called the allegations against Caluya and Abihai particularly egregious.
