In October 2020, the Santa Ana Police Department was contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and notified of a criminal investigation involving SAPD Officer Steven Lopez. The Santa Ana Police Department is fully cooperating with the FBI investigation and will continue to provide any assistance necessary to ensure that justice is served.
Federal agents are investigating allegations that Officer Steven Lopez accepted bribes from an individual associated with illegal businesses in Santa Ana in exchange for his interference in Law Enforcement operations related to these illegal establishments while serving in his official capacity as a police officer. The Santa Ana Police Department has initiated an Internal Affairs investigation into the actions of Officer Lopez. Officer Lopez is currently assigned to his residence on administrative leave, and his peace officer powers have been suspended, pending the outcome of both investigations.
The Santa Ana Police Department promotes a culture of transparency, accountability, and building partnerships with the community we serve. The swift and decisive action to work in partnership with the investigating agencies reflects our values and commitment to ethical and professional policing services. The alleged conduct is egregious and a direct violation of our high moral standards of integrity to our esteemed public trust.
“The alleged conduct of this officer is a betrayal of the confidence we place in our officers in their service to the community,” said Mayor Vicente Sarmiento. “I am confident in the Chief of Police and the Police Department to respond to this incident and continue to hold all officers accountable for their actions.”
“The allegations against this officer tear at the core of what our industry represents and erodes the public trust we work so hard to uphold and maintain. I am thoroughly disappointed and angered by the alleged conduct of this indictment and it is not representative of our Department” said Chief David Valentin. “The residents of Santa Ana put their trust in our officers to uphold the law and the actions of this one isolated officer has violated that trust. Let me be absolutely clear, these charges should in no way be a reflection of the women and men who serve the community of Santa Ana with honor and integrity each and every day. I have ZERO tolerance for an officer who betrays their oath to protect and serve,” Chief Valentin added.
