Former Cerritos Sheriff's Deputy Gets Probation for Teen Explorer Sex Case

A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy who oversaw the Explorer Program at the Cerritos Sheriff's Station has been sentenced to three years probation and 200 hours of community service on charges of having sex with a 16-year-old girl enrolled in the program.

Manuel Enrique Perallon Jr., 36, pleaded no contest to one count of oral copulation of a person under 18 on July 27, according to the Deputy District Attorney.

Perallon must also undergo six months of sexual offenders counseling and pay restitution -- the amount of which will be determined upon completion of his probation. The former sheriff's deputy is also required to register as a sex offender.  

At the time of the incident -- which occurred between April 29, 2011 and May 1, 2011 -- the 10-year veteran was working at the Cerritos Station, where he met the girl through the Explorer Program.

The department launched an investigation into the allegation last year and Perallon was relieved of duty with pay in August 2011.

What Is the Sheriff's Explorers Program?

The LASD's Law Enforcement Explorer Program began in 1969 to help "create new inroads of understanding between youth, law enforcement, and the general citizenry." Deputy Explorers not only help represent the sheriff's department and individual stations in the community, they also receive extensive training and actively participate in community affairs and non-hazardous law enforcement activities.

Deputy Explorers from the Cerritos Sheriff's Station are extremely visible and active in the community, often helping represent the department at community events and programs throughout the city. Most recently, the Explorers assisted Cerritos deputies in promoting the bi-annual Neighborhood Watch Town Hall meeting by going door to door to speak to area residents.