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Oct 2, 2024
(Los Angeles) Benny Caluya, a former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy, faces serious charges related to sexual assault and providing methamphetamine to a minor. Caluya was taken into custody for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, according to authorities.
Benny Caluya, a 68-year-old former deputy, was arrested weeks ago on suspicion of kidnapping, sexual assault, and giving meth to a 14-year-old girl.
The ex-LA County Sheriff’s deputy has been charged with:
Caluya’s nephew, Clifford Abihai, 49, also faces charges for supplying drugs to the underage victim. Abihai was arrested on August 28 by Lancaster deputies.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón released a statement addressing the severity of the allegations against Caluya and Abihai.
“Today, we stand firmly in solidarity with this courageous teenage survivor, a young girl whose vulnerability was exploited,” Gascón said.
Gascón further emphasized the particularly troubling nature of the case given Caluya’s former position as a law enforcement officer.
“It is particularly egregious that a former law enforcement officer sexually preyed upon a teenage girl and along with his accomplice supplied her with methamphetamine.”
If convicted, Caluya could face up to 10 years in prison, while Abihai may serve up to nine years. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to prosecutors, the events took place in late August in Lancaster, California. Caluya and Abihai allegedly picked up a 14-year-old girl who was walking alone. They then provided her with methamphetamine, after which Caluya is accused of sexually assaulting the teenager at his home.
The details of how long the alleged sexual assault lasted or how law enforcement became aware of the incident remain unclear from court records. However, the gravity of the accusations has prompted a thorough investigation by the Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau.
Benny Caluya’s law enforcement career spanned over two decades. He began as a reserve deputy in Los Angeles in 1979, briefly worked for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and then returned to Los Angeles County as a deputy in 1982.
Caluya resigned from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 2001 for reasons that remain unclear. State records indicate that his peace officer certification is no longer active, raising questions about his activities in the years following his resignation.
Both Caluya and Abihai were arrested on August 28 by Lancaster Sheriff’s deputies. They were initially booked into jail but later released on bond – $250,000 for Caluya and $100,000 for Abihai.
The case is being prosecuted by the district attorney’s Sex Crimes Division, underlining the severity of the charges. The next court date is scheduled for November 12 at the Antelope Valley Courthouse, where further details of the case may come to light.
Although Caluya retired many years ago, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will likely face the challenge of addressing this incident while maintaining public trust. It’s an important reminder of the need for rigorous screening, ongoing evaluation, and swift action when allegations of sexual misconduct arise within law enforcement ranks.
Whenever a law enforcement official – active or retired – is charged with a sex crime, it serves as a call to take various steps, such as implementing stronger safeguards, improving vetting processes, and establishing a culture of accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For the victim and her family, the road ahead may be long and difficult. Support services and counseling will likely be important for healing and recovery. Additionally, seeking justice through a civil lawsuit may be considered.
For victims of Los Angeles sexual assault, filing a civil lawsuit for financial damages with Dordulian Law Group’s experienced sex abuse attorneys can be a means of securing justice and recovering financial compensation.
D Law Group is an award-winning and compassionate team of sexual abuse lawyers representing survivors in various types of cases, including police and law enforcement sexual assault. Our dedicated attorneys offer a unique type of legal representation which includes a four-division team of professionals known as the SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts).
D Law Group clients have 24/7 access to the full SAJE Team support network:
Our sheriff sexual assault lawyers recently secured a $2 million child sexual abuse settlement for a client as well as a $1 million settlement for a school sexual abuse survivor.
These are just two of countless examples of past cases where survivors of sexual abuse and harassment have obtained justice with D Law Group’s proven attorneys.
Some additional recent DLG sex crime victories include:
For a free and confidential consultation regarding your LA sheriff’s deputy sexual assault case, contact a member of DLG’s SAJE Team today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM.
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At D Law Group, our sheriff sexual abuse lawyers work only on a contingency fee basis. This means that there is never any upfront cost to you. There is no fee until after we’ve won your case and secured a damages award on your behalf. There is no financial risk when you choose D Law Group to fight for justice in your sheriff’s deputy sexual abuse case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay; it’s that simple.
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If convicted, Caluya could face up to 10 years in prison.
Clifford Abihai is Benny Caluya's nephew. He is charged with one count of furnishing a controlled substance to a minor and could face up to nine years in prison if convicted.
The alleged incident occurred in late August in Lancaster, California.
Both Caluya and Abihai have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The next court date is scheduled for November 12 at the Antelope Valley Courthouse.
The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Special Victims Bureau and prosecuted by the LA District Attorney's Sex Crimes Division.
Caluya resigned from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 2001, though the reasons for his resignation are unclear.
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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