Recent allegations against veteran San Diego Police Officer Anthony Arevalos have brought to light a troubling series of claims from women accusing him of sexual misconduct during DUI stops in the Gaslamp Quarter. The latest woman to step forward shares a disturbing account of inappropriate behavior, adding to a growing list of accusations.
The most recent accuser, a 25-year-old woman arrested for a suspected DUI, described an encounter that escalated from awkward to unsettling. She alleges that during her arrest, Officer Arevalos handcuffed her and repeatedly touched her shoulders as the straps of her dress fell. “It was uncomfortable,” she explained, recounting how he would adjust her straps, brushing them back over her shoulders.
“It got progressively worse and more intimate,” she added, saying the inappropriate behavior continued as she sat in the back of his patrol car. On the way to jail, she alleges the officer made comments like, “It’s sad we had to meet this way. I wish we would have met over coffee.”
This woman is not the first to bring forward allegations against Arevalos. She joins three other women with similar accusations:
San Diego defense attorney Marc Kohnen, representing the 25-year-old accuser, described Arevalos as a predator, using his position to commit acts of sexual misconduct. “This officer was using the situation as a justification to commit sexual battery,” Kohnen said.
Police have reported that additional women have come forward, sharing accounts of similar interactions with Officer Arevalos. The investigations continue, and Arevalos could face further charges. For now, he remains suspended without pay.
Arevalos is set to be arraigned for the March 2021 incident. The San Diego Police Department emphasized its commitment to investigating all allegations thoroughly to ensure justice for the victims.
This series of allegations underscores the importance of accountability within law enforcement. Instances of alleged abuse of power, such as this, threaten to undermine public trust in policing. Advocacy groups and legal experts stress the need for robust systems to hold officers accountable and prevent such incidents.
As the investigation unfolds, the brave testimonies of these women serve as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against misconduct, regardless of the authority of the accused.
