there were concerns that Stenger was a suicide risk and his case file was sealed to prevent him from knowing of his pending arrest
Posted on 04/03/2008 12:01:16 PM PDT by edcoil
April 3, 2008
ON-DUTY ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY FOUND DEAD AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH MOLESTING 12-YEAR-OLD BOY HE MET THROUGH BIG BROTHERS OF ORANGE COUNTY FROM 1995 TO 1997
SANTA ANA - An on-duty deputy of the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) was found dead yesterday after charges were filed against him for molesting a 12-year-old boy for two years more than a decade ago after meeting the victim and his older brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County. Gerald Stenger, 41, Aliso Viejo, was charged yesterday morning with one felony count of lewd acts on a child under 14 and one felony count of continuous sexual abuse with a sentencing enhancement allegation for substantial sexual conduct. He would have faced a maximum sentence of 18 years in state prison if convicted.
The Orange County District Attorney's Office (OCDA) conducted an investigation and obtained information that the defendant may be a suicide risk. Based on that information, the OCDA took precautions to protect the safety of the defendant and other persons, including sealing all case related documents to prevent him from learning about his pending arrest. The OCDA obtained a no bail warrant and worked with the OCSD to coordinate a safe arrest.
OCDA investigators planned to arrest Stenger at the OCSD facilities in Santa Ana yesterday afternoon. At approximately 2:00 p.m. in a parking structure at 26681 Aliso Creek Drive in Aliso Viejo, Stenger was found with a single gun shot wound to the head in the driver's seat of an unmarked Crown Victoria patrol car. OCSD deputies had responded to the scene regarding an anonymous call about a suspicious vehicle. OCSD requested the Orange County Fire Authority respond, who pronounced Stenger dead at the scene.
The OCDA is continuing to investigate the cause of Stenger's death. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call supervising District Attorney Investigator Clint McCall at (714) 347-8814.
He would not have lasted long in prison.............
just toe it away and bury it all in the desert
A high school friend of mine that stayed behind in OC after graduation puts one out via email - mostly because our parents still live there, etc., etc.
Minus the Engine, transmission, AC, wheels, etc...........
That is why the only thing that he isn’t a match for is a bullet. He can handle everything else. He is into martial arts and he can disarm you if you have a knife. You will have a broken arm when he makes about two moves. No he doesn’t have his gun with him at school. His shotgun and rifle are here at home.
He was facing some real hard time in the joint, and someone did him a big favor.
You might want to check again with him on that.
In that case don't bother. (I thought there might be a ping list or something.)
The poor kid’s mother thought she was doing something good by getting a Big Brother for her sons. And I’m sure the deputy looked like a sterling role model. So sad these sick pervs besmirch the names of good organizations.
there were concerns that Stenger was a suicide risk and his case file was sealed to prevent him from knowing of his pending arrest
Also did the taxpayers and everyone else a big favor, too.
That being said, it will be interesting to see who tipped him off though. Whoever it is, is going to be in some big trouble. I'd bet they find out soon. No doubt they are looking hard at his phone records for that day, or the days leading up to his pending arrest.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.