Former Garden Grove police sergeant arrested for kidnapping and assaulting coworker

Summary

Former Garden Grove Police Department sergeant Charles William Starnes II was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on October 29, 2026 and charged with four felonies, including kidnapping to commit a sex offense and assault with intent to commit a sexual offense. The charges relate to alleged assaults of a female officer in March 2007 and a female civilian employee in March 2020. Starnes pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on October 31, 2026 and remains in custody on $5 million bail.

Why it matters

The case tests how law‑enforcement agencies handle allegations of serious misconduct by former officers, influencing public trust and internal accountability measures. Victims' advocates see it as a step toward addressing sexual violence, while some police‑union groups caution against presuming guilt before trial and stress due‑process protections.

Sources (3)

• Ex SoCal police sergeant arrested for kidnapping, sexually assaulting colleagues as disturbing details emerge New York Post
• Ex-Garden Grove police sergeant kidnapped, assaulted coworker, prosecutor says Los Angeles Times
• Other women contacted police about previous incidents with Packers’ Josh Jacobs after his arrest Breitbart