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Border Patrol Agent, 39, Accused Of Sexual Battery

BANNING (AP) — A U.S. Border Patrol agent has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and sexual battery in connection to an alleged encounter with a Mexican woman two years ago.

Thirty-nine-year-old Arturo Ascencio was arrested Thursday outside his home in Hemet. Bail was set at $50,000.

Banning Police Det. Robert Merritt said Ascencio, who is assigned to patrol the Coachella and Imperial valleys, was off-duty when the alleged incident occurred. Merritt said Ascencio used his position of authority to put the victim into a vulnerable situation.

Ascencio is scheduled to be arraigned Monday.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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