SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego Police Department sergeant accused of attacking his girlfriend in the Gaslamp Quarter pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence on Tuesday.
Oscar Armenta, 41, was sentenced to three years probation, 120 hours of community service and must attend a 52-week domestic violence program. In addition, he will not be allowed to own a gun for the rest of his life and he must repay medical bills for two Good Samaritans who tried to help the victim.
The judge also issued a 'no negative contact' order, which means Armenta is free to continue to date the victim, but must not harass or attack her in any way moving forward.
According to Armenta's lawyer, the sergeant has a resignation in hand and plans to turn it in to the police department Tuesday. Armenta has been on leave during the investigation.
The attack happened July 3 in the 700 block of Island Avenue. Several bystanders saw the incident and two got involved in an effort to stop Armenta from attacking the woman.
Armenta, a 13-year veteran of the police department who was off duty at the time, was arrested and placed on paid leave following the attack. He had no prior record at the time. He had been working in the police department's Criminal Intelligence Unit.
Chief Shelley Zimmerman released the following statement:
"Oscar Armenta pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence charges today and has subsequently tendered his resignation to the San Diego Police Department. As I stated back in July when this investigation first began, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and take the conduct of our employees very seriously."
