Originally published as a Kern County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post –
“Over the last several months, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Unit has been investigating claims made against a Detentions Deputy at the Lerdo Justice Facility. To ensure transparency, the Sheriff’s Office is releasing a timeline of the investigation thus far.
February 3, 2021: A female inmate reported her cellmate was having sex with Detentions Deputy Brandon Lawrence at the Lerdo Justice Facility. Lawrence had been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since September 14th, 2019. The Professional Standards Unit was immediately assigned the investigation. Several inmate interviews and a review of facility video uncovered evidence that the allegations were possibly true.
February 5, 2021: Lawrence was placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
An extensive investigation confirmed Lawrence had inappropriate sexual relationships with four female inmates at the Lerdo Justice Facility, between October of 2020 and January of 2021. Three of the four victims are cooperating with the investigation.
April 21, 2021: Lawrence resigned and is no longer employed by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
May 13, 2021: The Kern County District Attorney’s Office completed a review of the criminal complaint submitted by the Professional Standards Unit. The DA issued a $40,000 warrant for Lawrence for the following felony charges: Three counts of 289.6 PC Sexual Activity with an Inmate, and one count of 664/289.6 PC Attempted Sexual Activity with an Inmate.
May 17, 2021: Lawrence was taken into custody and booked at the Central Receiving Facility.
Victims of sex crimes are protected by law and their identities will remain confidential. If anyone has further information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to reach out to the Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 and request to speak with the Professional Standards Unit.”
