Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Sex-Related Counts Involving Female Jail Inmates

He could face up to seven years and four months in state if prison if convicted

A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy was charged on Wednesday with sex-related counts involving a half-dozen female inmates in a Lynwood jail over a six-month period last year.

Giancarlo Scotti, 31, is accused of engaging in unlawful sex acts with the prisoners at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood between March and September.

He could face up to seven years and four months in state prison if convicted of six felony counts of sexual activity with a detainee in a detention facility and two misdemeanor counts of sexual activity with a detainee in a detention facility, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

In one instance, Scotti allegedly ordered two cellmates to perform oral sex on him. He later took the women to a shower area, where he allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with both of them, according to Deputy District Attorney Hyunah Suh.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell told reporters last September that Scotti had been placed on administrative leave in connection with the allegations involving two female inmates. The sheriff said then that at least one of the women reported the alleged crime about 9 a.m. Sept. 13 to a teaching instructor who works inside the jail.

McDonnell said an investigation began immediately, with the scene being locked down to preserve evidence and the deputy being notified and remaining in the watch commander's office until 2 that afternoon and then being taken into custody that evening.

"The evidence was compelling enough for us to make the arrest," the sheriff told reporters after Scotti's arrest last September.

An arraignment date was not immediately set for Scotti, who was released on $100,000 bond one day after his arrest. Prosecutors are now asking that his bail be increased to $400,000.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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