Teenager in LAPD cadet scandal plans to file claim over alleged sex abuse

A 15-year-old girl who investigators say was sexually abused by a former Los Angeles police officer while she was part of the department’s cadet program plans to file a claim against the city, alleging the officer spent months gaining her trust before luring her into having sex with him, her attorney said.

Robert Cain, 31, used his influence as a police officer and mentor to draw his teenage victim into a series of sexual encounters earlier this year, attorney Luis Carrillo, who is representing the girl, said Thursday.

Cain was arrested and charged with multiple sex offenses involving an underage member of the cadet program earlier this year. The alleged acts occurred June 14, according to police. Cain, a 10-year veteran of the LAPD, resigned last month.

Details of the alleged abuse first surfaced in June, as the LAPD was investigating the theft of department cruisers, bulletproof vests and other equipment from the 77th Street Division.

The girl was among seven cadets arrested in connection with the thefts. A review of text messages between the girl and Cain, who was assigned to the division’s equipment room, revealed evidence of unlawful sexual contact, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck.

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Former LAPD Officer Robert Cain was arrested and charged with multiple sex offenses involving an underage member of the department’s cadet program earlier this year.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times )

richard.winton@latimes.com

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @LACrimes and @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

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