Police officer arrested for assault

A Huntington Beach Police Department officer was arrested Sept. 2 on charges of physically abusing his wife and girlfriend, and telling his wife not to report the assaults so he wouldn’t lose his job.

James Roberts III, 33, was charged with eight counts of false imprisonment by violence or deceit, three counts of criminal threats, two counts of domestic battery with corporal injury, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of dissuading a witness by force or threat and one count of vandalism causing $400 in damage or more, the county district attorney’s office said.

According to authorities, Roberts married Jane Doe No. 1 in 2003, and had a son with her. In 2007, while still married, Roberts is accused of beginning a relationship with Jane Doe No. 2.

Between June 2007 and May 2008, Roberts is accused of physically and verbally abusing his wife. In July 2007, Roberts is accused of trashing Jane Doe No. 1’s home by breaking and destroying furniture while she was out of town.

On at least three occasions, Roberts is accused of holding her physically against her will, once while she was with their son.

Roberts is accused of assaulting the victim on one occasion by pushing her to the ground in the bathroom, causing her to hit the bathtub and toilet.

On another occasion, he is accused of intentionally pushing a door into his wife while she was standing behind it.

Roberts is accused of repeatedly telling Jane Doe No. 1 that he would lose his job if she reported the assault, and threatened to kill her on at least one occasion, authorities said.

Between March and July 2007, Roberts is accused of physically restraining Jane Doe No. 2 to forcibly hold her against her will.

Jane Doe No. 2 ended her relationship with Roberts in early 2008. In May 2008, Roberts is accused of inviting Jane Doe No. 2 to his apartment to talk.

He is accused of physically restraining her to prevent her from leaving, and assaulting her by grabbing her and pulling her to the ground once she had left the apartment.

In December, Roberts is accused of confronting a male friend of Jane Doe No. 1, ordering him to stay away from his wife and son, and insinuating that he knew where the friend lived and spent his free time.

If convicted on all counts, Roberts would face a maximum of 14 years in state prison. He is being held on $250,000 bail, and will be arraigned Friday in Santa Ana.