Indio police officer arrested on rape charges

An officer with the Indio Police Department was recently arrested for allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman.

View charges filed by DA’s Office

According to jail records, 34-year-old Sergio Ramirez was arrested by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department on August 31 on charges of rape by force, sex penetration by force and oral copulation by force.

The Indio Police Department said it cannot comment on the case, but did confirm that Ramirez is on paid administrative leave. The District Attorney’s Office now has the case, but also has not released a statement.

Riverside County sheriff’s deputy Armando Munoz said, “”We can confirm we are investigating a sexual assault that occurred in the city of Palm Desert. This investigation is still underway and it would be inappropriate for us to provide further comment to protect the integrity of this on-going criminal investigation.”

Court records indicated that he was held on $85,000 bail but has since bailed out. Ramirez is due in court on October 14th.

Stay with KESQ and CBS Local 2 as we work to get more details about the case.