2 LAPD Officers Accused of Coercing Women Into Sex While Working Hollywood Division

By City News Service

Two Los Angeles police officers, formerly assigned to a Hollywood drug unit,  could be fired if found guilty of pressuring women to engage in sex with them while on duty, it was reported today.

Officers James Nichols and Luis Valenzuela allegedly preyed on at least four women over several years when they worked together, according to The Los Angeles Times, which cited an affidavit for a search warrant in a criminal investigation of the officers.

Sources told the newspaper that police investigators had enough evidence of misconduct to fire the officers.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck ordered hearings to recommend punishment.

Neither Valenzuela nor his attorney could be reached by The Times. Robert Rico, Nichols' attorney, said the women "have no credibility."

Valenzuela, a 16-year department veteran, and Nichols, a 12-year department veteran, were suspended with pay during the investigation, but are now on unpaid leave, according to The Times.