According to a sexual-assault attorney, an Orange County sheriff’s deputy was arrested on Oct. 29, 2025, and faces accusations of felony sexual assault and sexual battery. The allegations, made by a female inmate of an Orange County jail, indicated that the alleged assault took place in March of this same year.
Multiple Search Warrants Obtained After Collection of Digital Evidence
Twenty-nine-year-old Leobardo Martinez Garcia was arrested following an investigation into claims made by a female inmate that he assaulted her during a visit to a local hospital where she was receiving medical care. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the inmate was in custody on a different charge when the allegations were made. The department says they first learned of the incident on Oct. 14 after the woman reported the alleged assault to staff members of the Orange County jail. She stated that the incident occurred in March.
A sexual-assault lawyer discovered that numerous search warrants were served following the gathering of digital evidence, the latest of which ultimately led to Martinez Garcia’s arrest. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s investigation also included the examination of both hospital and custody records, as well as interviews with witnesses in an attempt to corroborate the victim’s story. The deputy was then booked into a Santa Ana Jail on suspicion of felony sexual assault and battery.
Sheriff Expresses Shock and Disappointment over Incident
A victims’ rights lawyer has learned of a statement made by Orange County Sheriff, Don Barnes, during which he expressed his outrage over the incident and plainly stated that such conduct is a violation of a deputy’s oath. He went on to express his extreme disappointment regarding the conduct of Martinez Garcia. Barnes spoke of the obligation of all Orange County law enforcement members to appropriately treat inmates who are entrusted to their care.
Barnes stated in a press conference that he wanted to assure the community that the hundreds of deputies employed in custody operations in Orange County display professional integrity each day, and that Martinez Garcia’s actions do not in any way represent the department. In his initial statement, the sheriff added that a complete investigation would be ongoing and the case would ultimately be forwarded to the United States Attorney’s Office or the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution. He stated that any deputy found guilty of failing to uphold the responsibilities of his job can expect to be held accountable in the same manner, through a quick and impartial process.
According to authorities, Martinez Garcia posted bail on Oct. 30, 2025, and was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both investigations and subsequent trial, if applicable. As of Dec. 15, 2025, no trial date has been set, and it is unclear whether or not Martinez Garcia’s lawyer will seek a plea bargain or enter a not guilty plea on his client’s behalf. The identity of the female inmate has not yet been released to the public.
Allegations of this kind have risen significantly in United States prisons over the past several years, and those who believe they have been a victim of sexual battery or abuse should speak to a victims’ rights lawyer.
Keep in mind, victims and victims’ families have a legal right to seek and obtain monetary compensation for the injuries caused.
Anyone in need of information about victims’ rights, or who has been a victim of a sex crime, should contact a civil tort sexual-assault lawyer without delay since survivors of sexual assault have the right to commene their own civil case against the perpetrator in seeking monetary and penalty damages from the perpertator.