SAN DIEGO — Police Chief David Nisleit said on Saturday that he was "very disappointed and very embarrassed" by the arrest of a sergeant on suspicion of soliciting a minor for sex.
Joseph Ruvido, 49, was taken into custody at 9 p.m. Friday, according to Lt. Shawn Takeuchi of the San Diego Police Department.
At a Saturday news conference, Nisleit said that he has "the right people doing this investigation."
When the department received a tip on Wednesday through Crime Stoppers, it was an "all hands on deck type of investigation," Nisleit said. "There's a lot of work to be done and we do not want to in any way to jeopardize the integrity of this case."
An investigation of the tip was launched and culminated in Ruvido's arrest without incident in Carmel Valley, Takeuchi said.
Chief Nisleit said, "I assure you Seargent Ruvido will be held accountable both criminally and administratively." He went on to say, "Immediately after his arrest, I took steps to remove Seargent Ruvido's police powers and he has been suspended from duty without pay."
Ruvido is a 21-year veteran of the department and had been assigned to the Watch Commander's Office. He has not had contact with the public for the past year or so, Nisleit said. Before that, Ruvido was a patrol sergeant.
Nisleit said members of the police department are held to a higher standard, "and when we have someone go out and tarnish this badge, it hurts us all."
Bail for Ruvido was set at $100,000, and he was no longer in custody Saturday, officials said.
Anyone who thinks they may be a victim can call 619-531-2480 or Crime Stoppers.