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Commission unanimously revokes POST certification for former LA County deputy over alleged abuse of power and dishonesty
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to revoke the POST certification of Sifredo A. Cano following a division recommendation alleging abuse of power, attempted sexual misconduct under color of authority, and dishonesty related to a DUI arrest victim.
The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training unanimously voted on Nov. 17, 2024, to revoke the POST certification of Sifredo A. Cano (POST case 2307511), formerly of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, after the division presented clear and convincing evidence of abuse of power, sexual misconduct under color of authority (described in Penal Code section 832.7 subdivision b), and dishonesty in related investigations.
William Imboden, law enforcement consultant for the Professional Conduct Bureau, told commissioners that the division's investigation found Cano used his position to initiate and maintain a personal relationship with a DUI arrestee beginning May 13, 2021, including statements that he could "make her DUI go away if she would go out on a date with him." The division presented text‑message records (approximately 100 messages), GPS timelines, call logs, and other records showing frequent contact while Cano was on duty and instances in which Cano accessed confidential DMV or law‑enforcement databases using a partner's credentials.
Imboden summarized investigators' findings that Cano sought to influence the arresting deputy's attendance at court and that Cano made false or misleading statements during internal affairs interviews until confronted with documentary evidence. The investigator said that when presented with records, Cano admitted some interactions but had denied them earlier.
Cano's counsel argued the victim's statements were not independently obtained in the same manner, disputed the existence of quid pro quo arrangements and said consensual contacts do not amount to criminal sexual conduct. Counsel also disputed some documentary interpretations and argued the matters did not meet the clear and convincing threshold.
Following the division's presentation and counsel's remarks, the commission moved and seconded to decertify. The roll call was unanimous in favor of revocation. The commission's action advances revocation as final discipline by POST; the administrative record will be available for any subsequent proceedings as required by law.
The division cited Penal Code §13510.8 as the statutory basis for serious‑misconduct findings and noted the matter had earlier been heard by the Peace Officers Standards Accountability Advisory Board, which recommended revocation.
