RSO deputy arrested for sexual assault

33-year-old deputy arrested on sexual assault charges

A 33-year-old Riverside County sheriff's deputy was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on June 22 on multiple criminal charges related to a sexual assault, Sgt. Mike Kelleher reported.

On June 21, a volunteer with the Riverside County Sheriff's Office confided in a Riverside County sheriff's deputy about a sexual assault that another deputy allegedly committed, according to Kelleher.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the deputy immediately reported the incident to his superior. As a result, investigators with the Riverside County Sheriff's Office's Special Victims Unit (SVU) began an investigation into the allegations.

The investigation revealed that Deputy Alexander Vanny, 33, committed a sexual assault against the adult victim. Subsequently, on June 22, 2024, Vanny was arrested and incarcerated.

Vanny was hired by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office in May 2016 and was recently assigned to the Hemet Sheriff's Station. He has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending this investigation.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office condemns any form of misconduct involving its personnel on or off duty and remains steadfast in its commitment to deter and prevent such behavior, Kelleher said. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office will take all necessary steps to ensure employees adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

This investigation is currently ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the details of this case is encouraged to contact Lead Investigator Chris Poznanski of the Special Victims Unit at 951-955-1698.