SANTA ANA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2025): Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, has been arrested for suspected s*xual assault of a female inmate.
The Department became aware of the suspected assault on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, when the female inmate disclosed the assault to jail staff. The inmate reported that in March 2025, when she was in custody on a separate charge, the deputy assaulted her while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.
OC Sheriff investigators immediately began an investigation, which included corroboration of information, gathering of digital evidence and serving multiple search warrants. The investigation revealed information that led to the arrest of Martinez Garcia on Oct. 29, 2025.
Martinez Garcia was booked into Santa Ana Jail on suspicion of felony s*xual battery and assault under the color of authority. He posted bail and was released on Oct. 30.
In addition to the criminal investigation, Martinez Garcia was placed on administrative leave by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department pending the outcome of both investigations.
“The alleged criminal conduct of this deputy is a violation of the oath to serve and protect our community, particularly those entrusted to our care in the Orange County Jail,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “I could not be more disappointed in the actions of Mr. Martinez Garcia.
“I want to assure our community that this is not representative of the professional integrity shown every day by hundreds of deputies and professional staff who serve in custody operations.
“The thorough investigation will continue, and any deputy who fails to uphold the responsibilities of a peace officer will be held accountable through a prompt and impartial process.”
At the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, the case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution.
The post An O.C. Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested for allegedly assaulting a female inmate first appeared on New Santa Ana.