L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy/Girls’ Softball Coach Antonio Galindo Arrested in Sexual Assault of a Minor

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L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy/Girls’ Softball Coach Antonio Galindo Arrested in Sexual Assault of a Minor

L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy/Girls’ Softball Coach Antonio Galindo Arrested in Sexual Assault of a Minor

Sep 10, 2021

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy who also worked as a girls’ softball coach has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year old Rancho Cucamonga girl.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Antonio Heriberto Galindo, 41, was arrested late last month on the following charges:

  • Contacting a minor with intent for sex
  • Oral copulation with person under 18
  • Sexual penetration against the victim’s will

The Los Angeles Times reported that the Sheriff’s Department had confirmed that investigators with the agency’s Crimes Against Children detail began looking into Galindo shortly before the arrest was made. Investigators soon discovered that Galindo was a Los Angeles-area law enforcement official and coached girls’ softball teams for several years.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Galindo and booked him at a local jail on suspicion of the three aforementioned charges. Four days later, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced it had issued a “no bail warrant” against Galindo, filing four additional charges against him.

The San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office also confirmed that the deputy and softball coach’s employment with the Sheriff’s Department has been suspended.

Galindo is being held without bail on the following new counts:

  • Two counts of sexual penetration of a person under 18
  • One count each of oral copulation of a person under 18
  • Sexual battery by restraint

Additionally, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department indicated it was aware of Galindo’s arrest and confirmed he had been relieved of duty with his peace officer powers being suspended until further notice.

A public statement issued by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department included the following:

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is monitoring the criminal outcome of this case. Due to the active investigation, we are unable to offer further comment at this time, but what we can say is Sheriff Alex Villanueva will not tolerate misconduct or criminal behavior of any kind, and those personnel who choose to break the law will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Limited details related to the sexual assault case against Galindo were released. However, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials did confirm that an investigation was launched into Galindo related to the sexual molestation of the 16-year-old girl in Rancho Cucamonga.

The San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Galindo will be scheduled for an in-person arraignment at Rancho Cucamonga Superior Courthouse. The D.A.’s Office also noted that if convicted of the charges, Galindo would have to register as a sex offender.

Law enforcement officials believe there may be numerous additional survivors impacted by Galindo who have yet to be identified or come forward. Anyone who was victimized by deputy Galindo or has any information about a possible sex crime is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Crimes Against Children detail via 909-387-3615.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call 800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit a tip online through wetip.com.

Additionally, if you or someone you love has been victimized by any type of sex crime, please call Dordulian Law Group’s (DLG) team of experienced, dedicated, trusted, and proven sexual assault attorneys today to discuss your legal options through filing a civil lawsuit in pursuit of maximum financial compensation.

Coach and Teacher Sexual Abuse on the Rise

One of the most prevalent topics we’ve covered on the DLG Blog in recent months has been teacher and coach-related sexual abuse. Countless stories have come to light, many impacting our local community here in Los Angeles County and in the surrounding areas:

Similar stories of sexual assault by teachers and coaches have also been reported throughout the nation:

If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault at the hands of a teacher, coach, or law enforcement official, you deserve swift justice. DLG is the leading and top-rated sex crimes law firm serving survivors throughout California and the entire nation. When you’re ready to pursue justice, we’re ready to serve as your dedicated legal advocate and fight to recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

Founded by a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County – Sam Dordulian – DLG offers survivors added resources, advantages, and a four-tiered support network of professionals with varying specialties.

As a sex crimes prosecutor, Sam Dordulian helped obtain life sentences against some of our community’s most dangerous sexual offenders. In that role, Dordulian saw first-hand that many survivors can often benefit from added resources and support that go beyond legal expertise while navigating the justice system.

Accordingly, Dordulian created a handpicked team of professionals within DLG’s Sex Crimes Division known as the SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts). When survivors choose DLG to handle the important responsibility that is their sexual assault civil claim, they have complete and 24/7 access to all four tiers of the SAJE Team support network:

  • Litigation Lead: Sam Dordulian, former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County with over 100 jury trial victories and 25 years of experience
  • Investigative Lead: Moses Castillo, in-house Chief Investigator and retired LAPD sex crimes detective in the elite Abused Child Unit with over 30 years of experience
  • Mental Health Lead: In-house licensed clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience specifically assisting sexual assault survivors
  • Advocate Leads: Two licensed and nationally accredited victim advocates who have devoted their lives to helping sexual assault survivors

With over 100 jury trial victories, Sam Dordulian offers survivors like you unparalleled experience and proven results that will ensure peace of mind throughout the legal process knowing your case is in the best possible hands. Don’t settle for an unproven or inexperienced firm that may jeopardize the outcome of your sexual assault claim. Choose the absolute best sexual assault firm in the nation, offering four-tiered support along with the utmost dedication, professionalism, discretion, respect, and proven results that you deserve.

Can I File a Lawsuit After Being Sexually Assaulted by a Teacher or Coach?

Any criminal charges that may be filed are entirely separate from your civil claim, and criminal cases typically do not provide any financial compensation for survivors (and in rare cases where damages are awarded, the amounts are quite low). A survivor of sexual assault in California may file his or her own civil lawsuit seeking to recover financial compensation from the perpetrator (or affiliated institution) for the harm caused, and both economic and non-economic damages may be recoverable in civil lawsuits.

Some common damages that DLG pursues in sexual assault, abuse, or harassment lawsuits include:

  • Counseling or therapy expenses
  • Hospital or medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Emotional trauma
  • Psychological distress

Again, civil charges are entirely separate from criminal charges, and the outcome of one case does not impact the other (meaning that even if a sex offender was not convicted on criminal charges, that perpetrator could still be – and in many cases often is – found liable in civil court and forced to may substantial damages to the survivor).

Additionally, under California AB 218, all survivors of childhood sexual abuse have a limited window to file a civil lawsuit, regardless of how long ago the crime occurred. AB 218’s three-year lookback window extends through the end of 2022, allowing survivors of childhood sexual assault an unprecedented opportunity to finally obtain the justice they deserve, often after many years of struggle.

DLG’s Sam Dordulian has used the metaphor of a “time machine” to describe AB 218, as it allows him and his dedicated team an opportunity to go back in time, “as far back as we need to” and prosecute childhood sex offenders.

Furthermore, AB 218’s treble damages clause allows the courts to award triple damages amounts to sexual assault survivors in cases where a cover-up is proven. In other words, by filing a claim immediately and within the lookback window period of AB 218 through DLG, a $10 million settlement could be converted ultimately into a $30 million award in the event that a cover-up is proven.

DLG pursues treble damages awards in all applicable childhood sexual assault/abuse cases under AB 218.

However, once the three-year lookback window closes on January 1, 2023, many survivors of childhood sexual abuse – particularly those whose crimes occurred many years ago – will be left without any legal recourse. The current opportunity at justice is only available for a limited time, and survivors are strongly encouraged to contact DLG’s Sex Crimes Division as soon as possible to ensure their claims are filed timely and in accordance with the statute of limitations.

Contact us today online or by phone at 866-GO-SEE-SAM for a free consultation, for additional information about AB 218, or filing a sexual assault claim. At DLG, we believe survivors, and we’re always here to listen, to provide support, and to fight to help you obtain the justice you deserve through a maximum financial damages award.

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.

By choosing DLG, you can be confident that your sexual assault case is the hands of trusted experts. DLG’s past experience and proven results offer a true example of the type of personalized attention and dedication we offer every sexual assault survivor client:

  • More than $100,000,000 recovered in settlements and verdicts
  • A 98% success record
  • More than 100 jury trial victories
  • Former sex crimes prosecutor
  • Former Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County
  • In-house Chief Investigator/retired LAPD detective
  • More than 25 years of sex crimes experience

DLG’s SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) of professionals – handpicked by Sam Dordulian – is available 24/7 to assist you. When you reach out to DLG’s Sex Crimes Division, you have complete access to:

  • A retired LAPD sex crimes detective investigating your case
  • A former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County litigating your case
  • A licensed clinical therapist available at your request
  • Two nationally accredited victim advocates available at your request

Together, DLG’s four-tiered SAJE Team of sex crime professionals provides an all-encompassing support network available to you throughout the legal process. You can have peace of mind knowing that your sexual assault claim is in good hands and your ultimate well-being is our first priority.

Contact DLG today to take the first step towards achieving the justice you deserve for your sexual assault claim.


Go See Sam