Crime & Safety
Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Captain Relieved of Duty
The captain of the sheriff's Malibu/Lost Hills station is under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing a subordinate, a claim he denies.
The captain of the L.A. County Sheriff's Malibu/Lost Hills Station has been relieved of duty with pay during an investigation into claims that he sexually harassed a subordinate.
"He has been relieved of duty with pay. That is our right so we can continue this probe," said Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the sheriff's department.
The investigation began in early January when a female deputy alleged that Capt. Joseph Stephen Jr., who is assigned to the Lost Hills/Malibu Station, retired Chief Ronnie Williams and recently-retired Capt. Anthony Ward coerced her into sexual relationships.
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Both Stephen and Williams have denied the allegations made by the deputy, who is the daughter of a top aide to Sheriff Lee Baca.
Stephen told The L.A. Times that the woman's allegations were "absolutely, unequivocally" untrue.
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The female deputy is on leave, without pay, because of unrelated felony vandalism and misdemeanor battery charges.
Lt. Matthew Squire has been named as acting captain of the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff's Station.
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