Riverside County police officer arrested on sexual assault allegations; investigators seeking more victims

A Menifee Police Department officer was arrested on Tuesday on sexual assault allegations and investigators are seeking additional potential victims. 

Officer Juan Pensina, 32, was taken into custody at around 12:45 p.m. after it was determined that there was sufficient evidence for his arrest, according to a news release from the department. 

Pensina was placed on administrative leave pending the result of the investigation, which began several weeks ago when MPD officials were made aware of the sexual assault allegations on July 24. They learned that he had allegedly assaulted a victim during an on-duty investigation, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. 

"During the course of our investigation, additional victims were identified in incidents that had occurred in Riverside County between 2023 and 2024," said a news release from RSO. "Investigators determined that Pesina encountered these victims while on duty and off duty."

Riverside Sheriff's Special Victims Unit investigators served a search warrant at Pensina's home and workplace on Tuesday, where they found additional evidence.

"Due to the nature and serious of these allegations, we immediately contacted the Riverside County District Attorney's Office and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Special Victims Unit, requesting their assistance in conducting an impartial and independent investigation," said Menifee Police Chief Chris Karrer in a video statement. 

Pensina was booked on felony charges for allegations of sexual assault under color of authority, according to Karrer. Deputies added that he was charged with felony charges of rape, sodomy and forced oral copulation.

"We believed and continue to believe that transparency is essential in matters of this gravity," Karrer said. "We are deeply disappointed in this individual's actions. They do not reflect the values, integrity or professionalism of the Menifee Police Department, its leadership or the officers who serve this community with honor every day."

On Thursday, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office filed charges of forcible rape, felony sexual battery, attempted forcible sodomy, first-degree burglary, forced oral copulation, attempted forced oral copulation and two counts of assault with intent to commit rape, as well as a sentence-enhancing allegation of perpetrating sexual offenses during a burglary. 

He is scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 2. He remains jailed without bail until then. 

Anyone who knows more or who feels they are also a victim is asked to contact RSO investigators at (951) 955-1701. Callers are asked to reference case number MB25-205-0002.