The recent plea bargain announced in the case against former Sheriff”s Deputy, Derik Navarro, who is facing multiple felony counts stemming from allegations of him having continuous sexual relations with a child, is, in my opinion, a travesty of justice.
I will not stand idly by knowing that justice, the victim”s interests and the people”s interest are not being served.
To this end, on Dec. 14 I met with the Director of Law Enforcement for the California Department of Justice and the Special Assistant to California Attorney General Kamala Harris to express my opposition to the proposed plea bargain and I asked them to reconsider and withdraw the deal.
Mr. Navarro”s maximum exposure under the proposed plea bargain would be three months in jail and no sex offender registration.
The judge assigned to this case must approve the bargain for it to become final. That a former law enforcement officer, who is alleged to have committed these crimes while employed as such, would plead guilty to having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl and receive such a deal is unconscionable.
Frank Rivero
Lake County Sheriff
