Ex-CHP Officer Denies Molestation
A former California Highway Patrol lieutenant already facing trial for attempted child molestation pleaded not guilty Wednesday to molesting a 10-year-old girl in 2003.
Stephen Robert Deck, 51, was one of 13 men arrested during an Internet sting in February when he showed up at a Laguna Beach apartment allegedly expecting to meet a 13-year-old girl he had made contact with online.
Police searching Deck’s Carlsbad home discovered documents and other evidence on his computer suggesting he had also contacted the 10-year-old online, and they accuse him of molesting her in 2003.
They say there may be other victims and would like to talk to anyone who had online chats with Deck.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Beth Costello said Deck was very good at acting immature in his online conversations and knew how to relate to young girls.
“He knew they liked to talk about the mall, going to the movies,†she said. “He would stoop down to their maturity level and converse about things you’d just be really surprised to hear an adult male talk about.â€
Deck worked for the CHP for 23 years. He retired after his arrest in February.
Deck remains free on $100,000 bail. He faces up to 12 years in prison if found guilty of both charges.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
