L.A. County sheriff’s deputy arrested in prostitution sting
A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was among 21 people arrested last week on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute at a motel in Moreno Valley, authorities said.
Michael Strickland, 49, a lieutenant in the department’s Industry station, has been suspended with pay, stripped of all law enforcement duties and is working from home until his criminal case is resolved, said department spokesman Steve Whitmore.
Strickland was arrested at a motel in the 23000 block of Sunnymead Boulevard during an Oct. 10 sting by the Moreno Valley police. Authorities focused on the motel after complaints of loitering, drug activity and prostitution.
Four of the group – not including Strickland – were also booked on suspicion of selling marijuana. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, four men offered marijuana in place of cash. Authorities recovered five ounces of marijuana worth $1,500.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials will launch an internal investigation following the conclusion of Strickland’s criminal case, Whitmore said. Strickland was promoted to lieutenant six months ago.
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