L.A. sheriff’s deputy pleads no contest to sex-with-minor charge

A 22-year veteran deputy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department pleaded no contest Tuesday to having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl, authorities said.

John Augustus Rose II, 44, faces three years in prison on the charge of lewd act on a child as well as possessing matter depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

At sentencing, he will also be ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Rose met the girl through her family and began a sexual relationship with her in March of 2013 that lasted until June of that year, according to Deputy Dist. Atty. Rosa Alarcon.

He was arrested in September of 2013, and was relieved of duty without pay.

Records show Rose was awarded the Medal of Valor for a 2003 daring rescue during the 21,000-acre Curve fire in the San Gabriel Mountains.

He and another deputy drove toward the fire and rescued a woman trapped in a mountain cabin.

Their vehicle’s undercarriage was on fire and the tires blew out as they fled the area.

Rose’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 26.

Staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report.

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