VAN NUYS : Arrest of Bailiff in Sex Case Confirmed

Investigators confirmed Monday that a sheriff’s deputy who worked as a bailiff in Van Nuys Superior Court was arrested after he was videotaped having sex with two female jail inmates during a sting operation.

Because authorities have been unwilling to openly discuss the investigation, the information sheds new light on the case involving Larry Fraize, 43, who was arrested May 6, one day after the alleged sexual encounter in a holding tank in the Van Nuys court complex.

Fraize was booked on suspicion of having unlawful sex with inmates under his control, authorities said.

“It was a sting operation,” said Lt. Bill Christiansen of the Sheriff’s Internal Criminal Investigations Bureau.

“We installed video equipment pursuant to a court-obtained search warrant and that was based on information we obtained as to allegations that Deputy Fraize was receiving sex from inmates,” he said.

While the investigation is being labeled a sting, Christiansen said neither Fraize nor the two women involved knew they were being taped.

“This sting was put into place only after we received information from an inmate that he (Fraize) was involved sexually with inmates under his care and control,” said Christiansen, who declined to name the source of the information.

Citing an ongoing investigation, authorities until Monday had resisted repeated requests for information. Christiansen said Monday that no additional arrests are expected.

Although the investigation has essentially ended, Sheriff’s Department officials are still sifting through evidence that they have accumulated, Christiansen said.

Fraize is free after posting a $50,000 bond two days after his arrest. The district attorney’s office is continuing to review the case, Christiansen said.