A former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy has been accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and providing her with methamphetamine. Benny Caluya, 68, has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of a lewd act on a child and furnishing a controlled substance to a minor. Authorities arrested him in connection with the alleged offences, while his nephew, Clifford Abihai, 49, has also been arrested and faces charges of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor.
In a statement released by Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, he expressed support for the teenage survivor, condemning the exploitation of her vulnerability. Gascón stated, “It is particularly egregious that a former law enforcement officer sexually preyed upon a teenage girl and supplied her with methamphetamine.”
Caluya, who started his law enforcement career in 1979, faces serious consequences if convicted, with a potential 10-year prison sentence. Meanwhile, his nephew Abihai could receive a maximum sentence of nine years. The former deputy was released on a $250,000 bond, and Abihai was granted release on a $100,000 bond.
Prosecutors allege that Caluya and Abihai picked up the girl as she was walking alone in Lancaster, California, in late August. They provided her with methamphetamine before Caluya allegedly sexually assaulted her at his residence in Lancaster. Caluya’s career in law enforcement ended in 2001 when he resigned from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for undisclosed reasons.
The criminal case against Caluya is being handled by the district attorney’s division of sex crimes, with the next court date set for November 12. The case has brought to light disturbing allegations of abuse of power and exploitation, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts.