CAL FIRE firefighter-paramedic arrested on suspicion of sexual assault

PLACENTIA, Calif. (KESQ) - An on-duty CAL FIRE firefighter-paramedic was arrested following an investigation into allegations of sexual assault, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office announced.

The firefighter, identified as a 51-year-old man from Placentia, was arrested on Friday morning. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center. Authorities said he faces charges of false imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon, rape by force or fear, sexual penetration by force or fear, and multiple felony sexual assault charges.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force initiated an investigation in January. Deputies identified two victims who reported being sexually assaulted by the firefighter.

RSO confirmed that CAL FIRE is aware of the allegations and is cooperating with the investigation.

"Cal Fire demands its employees uphold standards of professional conduct both on- and off-duty,'' according to an agency statement released to City News Service Friday. "Renteria was served with administrative time off paperwork and has not returned to duty since Cal Fire was made aware of the allegations on Jan. 4, 2026."

Renteria's length of service with Cal Fire, with which the county has long contracted for fire protection services, could not immediately be confirmed.  

"Cal Fire has fully cooperated with the sheriff's office throughout this investigation and appreciates their ongoing efforts to seek justice,'' the agency said. "We remain committed to supporting the process and ensuring accountability."

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with information related to this case, or who believes they may be a victim of sexual assault involving the firefighter, to contact Investigator Joe Riddle and ht@riversidesheriff.org. or by calling 951–955–1700 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951–776–1099. Individuals seeking support services may visit the RSO website.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.