Ex-Cop Gets 25 Years In Prison For Sex Assaults

RIVERSIDE (AP) — A former San Bernardino policeman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for forcing prostitutes to perform sex acts while he was in uniform.

Jose Jesus Perez was sentenced Monday in Riverside federal court for civil-rights violations that included kidnapping, sexual abuse and bodily injury.

Federal prosecutors say Perez, 47, of Menifee forced the women to have sex in his patrol car and in motel rooms in 2011.

The women testified that they engaged in sex because they were afraid Perez would arrest them.

A defense lawyer for Perez asked that the former officer receive a five-year sentence.

Perez apologized to his family and victims during an emotional sentencing hearing.

Perez was a police officer for 14 years and served in Los Angeles and San Bernardino.

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