L.A. coroner’s lieutenant arrested in sexual battery of female co-worker

A lieutenant in the Los Angeles County coroner’s office was arrested Thursday on suspicion of sexually battery of a colleague at the office, police said.

Ryan Hays, a nine-year employee of the office, is also accused of sending “lewd and obscene pictures” to a female investigator, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

On Jan. 4, 2015, police said, he sexually battered the woman.

Hays was charged on Dec. 31 with nine misdemeanor counts, including one count of sexual battery, six counts of harassment and one count of indecent exposure, police said.

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Since the allegations against Hays were made, he has been on paid leave from the office and on “administrative assignment” at home, said Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner’s office.

The allegations were investigated by the LAPD and Los Angeles County, Winter said.

An attorney for Hays could not be reached for comment.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno.

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