A Fontana police officer is suspended with pay— and out on bail— after being accused of raping a 16-year-old girl four years ago, according to Fontana Herald News.
28-year-old Nicholas Shawn Stark is out on $250,000 bail after being booked on Thursday, according to the San Bernardino County website. The website lists a single charge of rape of a drugged victim.
The agency first learned of the accusation on social media after a police captain became aware of a post by the victim that alleged she was assaulted by a Fontana police officer, according to a statement by Chief William Green.
Once he learned of the allegations against Stark, Green called in the San Bernardino Sheriff’s department to conduct an independent investigation. While he is under investigation, Stark is currently out on paid leave.
“Based on California law, I cannot immediately fire Nicholas Stark. He is on paid leave, and that is disgusting. However, I will endeavor to terminate him in the most expeditious manner possible,” Green said in the statement.
The investigation has so far determined the crime happened prior to Stark joining the Fontana Police Department. Although a 3-5 month background check is conducted to screen officers, Stark was still made it onto the force.
“This is not what the Fontana Police Department is about,” Green said. “This act, despite having occurred prior to becoming a Fontana officer, rightfully calls into question the character of the entire department. I understand that. I commit myself, and the 300 men and women I work with, to do what needs to be done to begin repairing the damage.”
