Former LA police officer sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing girls – NBC Los Angeles

A former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing four girls and entering a “no contest” plea, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Friday.

Sean Essex, a deputy sheriff for 22 years, pleaded no contest to the sex offenses.

One of his victims was abused in 2006, and three more between 2013 and 2022, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.

The girls abused by Essex ranged in age from four to 13, and at least three of them were related to a woman the former deputy had dated 20 years earlier, authorities said.

“The horrific sexual abuse Mr. Essex committed against these young victims not only violated his oath as a law enforcement officer to protect and serve the community, but also left these children with lifelong trauma,” District Attorney Gascón said in a statement.

The prosecutor’s office added that its Bureau of Victim’s Services will continue to offer help and resources to victims of abuse in Essex.

The former MP must pay compensation to the victims, the amount of which will be determined by the court, and must also register as a sex offender.