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Ex-Cop Gets 30 Years for Sex Assaults
A former police officer in Texas has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two men while in custody. Matthew Lee Sepulveda, 26, was ordered to serve a 360-month sentence, followed by five years of supervised release.
The assaults took place in 2019 while Sepulveda was working as a law enforcement officer with the Progreso Police Department. He was accused of performing oral sex on the two victims, who were in his custody at the time.
According to the evidence presented in court, Sepulveda’s DNA was found on one of the victim’s underwear, and he had logged the victim’s arrest and case after the fact. The second victim, who was just 17 at the time, was taken to the police department because he was unable to contact his parents after a traffic stop.
The defense attempted to portray one of the victims as a liar and questioned some of the evidence. However, the jury was unconvinced and found Sepulveda guilty of two civil rights violations.
The case was investigated by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarina S. DiPiazza and Angel Castro prosecuted the case.
Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs of the FBI said that Sepulveda’s actions were a betrayal of the oath to serve and protect the community. ‘The vast majority of law enforcement officers in the United States are deeply committed to fulfilling their oath,’ Combs said. ‘Sepulveda betrayed this oath by preying on his victims, exploiting his authority to serve his own personal, depraved interests.’
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed down the sentence, commenting on the shame and embarrassment to law enforcement as a result of Sepulveda’s actions. The judge also noted his disappointment in Sepulveda’s lack of empathy for the victims.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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