Los Angeles: On Wednesday, July 6, 2005, at about 5 PM, members of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Professional Standards Bureau and the FBI’s Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Team (SAFE), arrested 15-year Los Angeles Police Officer George Stan at the Los Angeles International Airport as he returned on a vacation flight.

The investigation into Stan’s conduct began in January 2005, when a minor told LAPD officials about inappropriate internet communications by Stan.  Professional Standards Bureau brought SAFE into the investigation due to the nature of the alleged acts.  The investigation disclosed multiple illegal sexual acts involving Stan and a fifteen-year-old male victim.  The acts occurred in the city of Simi Valley over the past three years.

“Every effort will be made to determine the full extent of Stan’s activities,” said Police Chief William J. Bratton.  “I am gratified by the task force’s thorough investigation and the victim’s courage in coming forward.  I want to apologize personally and on behalf of the Department to the victim and his family for the violation of trust that we allege was committed by Officer Stan.  The Explorer Program is one of the best youth programs around, and we will be looking to add additional safeguards to protect its membership.”

George Stan, 36, had been assigned to the Devonshire Police Station since 1991, and he has been a temporary Youth Services Officer for about a year, working with the Explorer Program.

Stan was booked at the LAPD’s Metropolitan Jail on a charge of oral copulation of a minor.  His bail was set at $2,500,000 and he remains in custody in Simi Valley, pending his arraignment.

The SAFE team is a task force consisting of federal agents and local law enforcement officers, including the LAPD.  The task force is headed by the FBI and investigates the sexual exploitation of children, organized child prostitution and child abduction.  The Simi Valley Police Department and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office were also partners in the investigation.

Part of Professional Standards Bureau’s investigation includes debriefing current and former LAPD Explorers and their parents. Investigators believe other victims may exist, and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward by calling Professional Standards Bureau at 818-894-1109.