LAPD Officer Indicted on Sex Charges

Los Angeles: After victims came forward an LAPD Officer was charged
with felony sex crimes committed while the officer was on duty and in uniform.

On October 16, 2008, Police Officer III Russell Mecano, assigned to
West Los Angeles Patrol Division, was indicted by the Los Angeles
County Grand Jury for sex crimes committed or initiated while on duty
and in uniform. After the indictment, Mecano, who is 40-years old,
was immediately arrested and booked at the Los Angeles Metropolitan
Jail. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to be arraigned
on December 12, 2008. Mecano has been relieved of his police powers
and assigned to home, pending the outcome of the criminal and
administrative processes.

The investigation began when the incident was reported to officers at
a local police station. Mecano allegedly told an 18-year old female
he would not arrest her for possession of a marijuana pipe if she
would have sex with him. He allegedly sexually assaulted her near
the Palisades Branch Library and told her to meet him sometime later
at a motel. The young woman reported the incident to officers at the
West Los Angeles police station.

Because persons coming forward may be asked to identify a photograph
of Mecano in a process known as a "photo line up," no photograph of
Mecano will be released publicly at this time.

Mecano was indicted on the following four charges:

* PC 647(b) Solicitation of Prostitution
* PC 243.4(a) Sexual Battery by Unlawful Restraint
* PC 289(g) Penetration by a foreign object by a public official
* PC 289(a) Penetration by a foreign object under duress

Victims or anyone with information should call Internal Affairs
investigators toll free at 1-800.... Caller may also use the 24 hour
tip line at 1-877 LAPD 24-7 (1-877 5...). Those wishing to remain
anonymous may use their cellar phone and text to "CRIMES" or by log
on to lapdonline.org and click on "webtips." When using a cell
phone, callers should always begin the text portion of the message
with the letters LAPD. Texting or internet tips provided in this
manner are anonymous.