San Jose officer is latest to be placed on leave

He's accused of sexual misconduct while on duty inside a family's home

SAN JOSE >> A San Jose Police Department officer placed on administrative leave was accused of masturbating inside a family's home while on duty, a source tells the Bay Area News Group.

The allegation is the latest black mark for San Jose police, who confirmed earlier this week that another officer was being investigated for allegedly being under the influence of alcohol during the search for a kidnapped child.

The details of the sexual misconduct allegation were first reported by NBC Bay Area. A source familiar with the investigation told the Bay Area News Group that in late April, an officer was on an unspecified call for service in San Jose when he stepped away from a group inside a home and began to masturbate.

One of the residents speaking to police spotted the officer, and other police detained him, the source said.

San Jose police confirmed that the investigation was the same case referred to by Assistant Chief Paul Joseph during a press conference May 3.

Joseph said May 3 that the officer had been placed on administrative leave. The investigation is ongoing and the department said it will coordinate with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office on any potential criminal charges.

Chief of Police Anthony Mata condemned the allegations in a May 6 statement and said the department would share what it can regarding the incident but that information may be “limited” during the investigation. Mata didn't reveal any details of the allegation or the cause of the original service call.

“I would like to propose changes to the disciplinary process that will allow me to speak openly with the public about cases where I believe termination is the only option,” Mata said. “If true, any conduct similar to what has been alleged will result in termination as quickly as the system allows me to do so. It will also include criminal prosecution and decertification as a Police Officer.”

Sean Pritchard, president of the San Jose Police Officers Association, said in a statement: “I am absolutely disgusted by this repugnant allegation that damages the reputation of our profession and department, where 99% of SJPD police officers serve honorably every single day.”