SFPD Officer Arrested For Illegal Records Access After Sexual Assault Investigation
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A San Francisco police officer who was the subject of an internal affairs investigation over a sexual assault allegation was arrested Wednesday for illegally accessing confidential records, according to authorities.
Back in August of last year, the San Francisco Police Department's Internal Affairs Division was informed of a sexual assault allegation made against an off-duty officer Jason Lai. Investigators initiated an immediate investigation into the allegations.
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After the investigation was completed, the District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and determined there was insufficient evidence for a sexual assault charge.
However, the DA found there was probable cause to arrest Lai for violations related to use and access to confidential criminal offender information and motor vehicle records.
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On Wednesday, Lai – a San Francisco resident – was charged with two misdemeanor counts of Unlawful Possession of Local Criminal Offender History Information and four misdemeanor counts of Misuse of Confidential Department of Motor Vehicles Information.
Lai was placed on unpaid administrative leave during the initial investigation and remains on unpaid leave, according to police.
During the investigation, allegations surfaced that a second sworn member of the SFPD had engaged in conduct that interfered with the investigation. That investigation is still ongoing, but that officer has since left the Department.
