LAPD Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Touching Dead Woman’s Breast

A Los Angeles police officer who allegedly touched a dead woman's breast while he was on duty last fall pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony count.

David Rojas, 27, could face up to three years in state prison if convicted of having sexual contact with human remains without authority.

Rojas, who is out of custody on $20,000 bail, appeared in a downtown courtroom this morning to enter his plea. He was ordered to return Feb. 27, when a date is expected to be set for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

A 27-year-old officer faces a felony charge, accused of inappropriately touching a dead woman's body while on duty. Christine Kim reports for the NBC4 News on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019.

Rojas and his partner responded Oct. 20 to a report of a possible dead woman in a residence and he's accused of touching the woman's breast while he was alone in the room, according to the District Attorney's Office.

The allegation against Rojas was brought to the department Nov. 20.

The four-year Los Angeles Police Department veteran -- who was assigned to the downtown-area Central Division -- was subsequently placed on leave.

Local

Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.

USC 4 mins ago

Security intensifies at USC as campus remains closed

malibu 7 hours ago

Homicide investigators respond to shooting death in Malibu

He was arrested Dec. 12 by Los Angeles police and released on bond later that day, according to jail records.

According to the LAPD department body cam footage revealed when the officer in question groped the dead body of a woman while his partner was out of the room. The officer allegedly involved has been placed on leave as the investigation continues. Patrick Healy reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec.4, 2019.

"This incident is extremely disturbing and does not represent the values of the Los Angeles Police Department," LAPD Chief Michel Moore said then.

In a statement released after Rojas was charged, the Los Angeles Police Protective League Board of Directors said it hoped "that District Attorney Jackie Lacey charging Mr. Rojas for his vile alleged crime will bring some solace to the deceased woman's family during their time of grieving."

"The Los Angeles Police Protective League will not defend Mr. Rojas during his criminal proceedings, and his alleged behavior is abhorrent and an affront to every law enforcement professional working for the LAPD,'' the LAPPL statement said.