LAPD chief urges cadets to act ethically in wake of scandal

LOS ANGELES — Police Chief Charlie Beck told graduating cadets this weekend to “be strong. Be ethically correct. Do the right thing” after a scandal in the youth program involving allegations of stolen police cars and underage sex.

During a ceremony at the University of Southern California, Beck told more than 2,000 teenagers and young adults that the day was joyous but also somber because some cadets had acted inappropriately and an LAPD officer “acted criminally.”

On Thursday, Beck personally arrested officer Robert Cain. The 10-year veteran is suspected of having unlawful sex with a 15-year-old cadet.

A search of Cain’s Rancho Cucamonga home turned up a cache of weapons that were being examined to determine whether they were legal under California law.

More than 100 weapons were seized, including modified assault rifles and a nonfunctioning grenade launcher and grenades, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing three law enforcement sources. Cain is free on bail, but could not be reached for comment.

Cain’s alleged underage lover is among seven cadets arrested on suspicion of unlawfully using stun guns, radios and police cars to joyride and even pose as officers. Six of the cadets, including the girl, were assigned to the 77th Street Division where Cain worked in the equipment room. He wasn’t involved in the cadet program.

City Councilman Mitchell Englander said, “This was an officer that was in a station, in a kit room, and somehow developed a relationship with these kids? That means there’s definitely flaws in the system as far as supervision and oversight.”