Los Angeles: After victims came forward an LAPD Officer was charged with felony sex crimes committed while the officer was on duty and in uniform.
On October 16, 2008, Police Officer III Russell Mecano, assigned to West Los Angeles Patrol Division, was indicted by the Los Angeles County Grand Jury for sex crimes committed or initiated while on duty and in uniform. After the indictment, Mecano, who is 40-years old, was immediately arrested and booked at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Jail. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on December 12, 2008. Mecano has been relieved of his police powers and assigned to home, pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative processes.
The investigation began when the incident was reported to officers at a local police station. Mecano allegedly told an 18-year old female he would not arrest her for possession of a marijuana pipe if she would have sex with him. He allegedly sexually assaulted her near the Palisades Branch Library and told her to meet him sometime later at a motel. The young woman reported the incident to officers at the West Los Angeles police station.
Because persons coming forward may be asked to identify a photograph of Mecano in a process known as a “photo line up,” no photograph of Mecano will be released publicly at this time.
Mecano was indicted on the following four charges:
PC 647(b) Solicitation of Prostitution
PC 243.4(a) Sexual Battery by Unlawful Restraint
PC 289(g) Penetration by a foreign object by a public official
PC 289(a) Penetration by a foreign object under duress
Victims or anyone with information should call Internal Affairs investigators toll free at 1-800-339-6868. Caller may also use the 24 hour tip line at 1-877 LAPD 24-7 (1-877 527-3247). Those wishing to remain anonymous may use their cellar phone and text to “CRIMES” or by log on to lapdonline.org and click on “webtips.” When using a cell phone, callers should always begin the text portion of the message with the letters LAPD. Texting or internet tips provided in this manner are anonymous.
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