A former Los Angeles County sheriff and his nephew were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl, according to authorities and jail records.
The former deputy — 68-year-old Benny Caluya — is also accused of sexual assault, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He was arrested on August 28 by Lancaster sheriff’s deputies, and his bond was set at $250,000.
His nephew, 49-year-old Clifford Abihai, is charged with kidnapping, according to the department. His bail was set at $100,000.
Both suspects were released on bond the same day they were arrested and are due back in court Sept. 30 at the Antelope Valley Courthouse. It is unclear how the men knew the alleged victim or what led to their arrest.
Officials said detectives with the department’s Special Victims Bureau will present the case to local prosecutors for consideration before the upcoming court date.
Records from the state Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training show that Caluya first joined the Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy in 1979. He then worked as a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for a little over a year before returning to the LA County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy in 1982.
He resigned in 2001 for unclear reasons. State records show his peace officer certificate is no longer active.
When reached by phone for comment Thursday, Caluya referred all questions to Mark Gallagher, his attorney. Gallagher confirmed he represents Caluya but declined to comment.
Abihai also said he had retained a lawyer, but he could not remember his name.