A Los Angeles County sheriff’s lieutenant has been relieved of his duties after he was arrested during a massive undercover prostitution sting at a Moreno Valley motel, authorities said.
Michael Strickland, 49, of Eastvale, was arrested Oct. 10 on suspicion of soliciting prostitution, according to the Moreno Valley Police Department.
After his arrest, Strickland was cited and released, said Deputy Albert Martinez, with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to NBC4 Tuesday that Strickland worked as a lieutenant with the LA agency and has been relieved of his duties, with pay, pending an internal review.
Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore told the Whittier Daily News that Strickland was promoted to lieutenant about six months ago.
Strickland was among 19 men and two women arrested in an undercover sting a motel in the 23000 block of Sunnymead Boulevard, Moreno Valley police said.
The operation was prompted by residents’ complaints that men and women were loitering around the motel, and residents suspected illegal activity.
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Four men were arrested and booked after police said they tried to sell marijuana to undercover officers. Police found about 5 ounces of pot worth about $1,500 between the four suspects.
The remaining 15 men and two women were arrested, cited and released, police said.
Police asked anyone with information to call the Moreno Valley Police Department at 951-247-8700.
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