Sexual Assaults Committed by On-Duty Menifee Police Officer

on August 12, 2025

In July 2025, the Riverside Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit (SVU) was contacted by the Menifee Police Department regarding a sexual assault investigation. They advised that one of their officers, Juan Jose Pesina, a 32-year-old resident of Menifee, was accused of sexually assaulting a victim during an on-duty investigation. 

An investigation into Pesina began July 22 when the Menifee Police Department's Professional Standards Unit received a complaint involving sexual assault allegations about an officer later identified as Pesina, according to the law enforcement agency.

During the course of the investigation, additional victims were identified in incidents that had occurred in Riverside County between 2023 and 2024. Investigators determined that Pesina encountered these victims while on duty and off duty.

On August 12, 2025, SVU Investigators, with the assistance of the Riverside Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, arrested Pesina at the Southwest Justice Center on Auld Road, Murrieta, without incident. A search warrant was served at his residence in the city of Menifee and his workplace, where additional evidence was located. Pesina was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for multiple felony charges, including rape, sodomy, and forced oral copulation.

The Riverside Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit believes there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with more information regarding this investigation to contact Master Investigator J. Andrade at (951) 955–1701 or Sheriff’s Dispatch by calling 951–776–1099.

The Law -- Enhancements for Crimes Committed by Peace Officers

Enhanced Penalties for Certain Crimes Committed by Officers

While laws primarily focus on crimes committed against peace officers, some legislative measures aim to increase accountability and potentially harsher penalties for officers who commit specific forms of misconduct, especially those involving the use of force or actions motivated by bias. For example, peace officers convicted of crimes against members of a "protected group" could face hate crime enhancements, leading to longer prison sentences.

California's legal framework recognizes the unique position of peace officers and the public trust placed in them. Consequently, they may face more severe charges or sentencing enhancements when they commit certain crimes, particularly those that violate public trust or involve the use of force beyond what is objectively reasonable. SB 2, adopted in September of 2021, aims to hold officers accountable for serious misconduct by creating a system to investigate and revoke or suspend their certification. Serious misconduct includes dishonesty, abuse of power, excessive force, felonies, and certain misdemeanors. While not directly a sentence enhancement, losing certification significantly impacts an officer's ability to serve and can be a consequence alongside criminal penalties.