A Riverside County Sheriff’s correctional deputy, Christian Phillip Heidecker, 32, from Menifee, has been charged with nearly 20 felony offenses for engaging in sex acts with female inmates as part of an extortion scheme. Heidecker was arrested following an investigation by the sheriff’s department.
The charges against Heidecker include three counts each of being a detention officer engaging in sex while on duty and witness intimidation, as well as four counts each of attempted penetration with a foreign object, extortion, and a public official seeking bribes.
Heidecker is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Benoit Detention Center in Indio and is scheduled to appear in court at the Banning Justice Center.
Sgt. Steve Brosche from the sheriff’s department stated that investigators were alerted to Heidecker’s alleged criminal behavior last month. At that time, he was working in the Coordinated Custody Management Unit in Banning as part of the Alternative Sentencing Program which allows inmates to serve time on home confinement with ankle monitors.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Heidecker had abused his authority by targeting four female inmates, identified in court documents only by their initials – “A.A.,” “A.R.,” “K.P.,” and “O.C.” The criminal complaint states that Heidecker engaged in sexual activity with the women and recorded videos and images. The specifics of how he gained their compliance were unclear.
Heidecker allegedly attempted to extort money and other property from the victims using sexually explicit materials. When it became apparent that one or more of the victims were planning to report him, Heidecker allegedly tried to intimidate them to prevent them from talking.
Heidecker was arrested without incident in Murrieta on Friday afternoon.
Heidecker is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. No information has been provided regarding the length of his employment with the sheriff’s department or in law enforcement.
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