San Jose Police Officer Masturbates in Front of Family Seeking Help, DA Says

A San Jose police officer was charged last week with masturbating in the home of a family where he and other officers were dispatched for a disturbance.

Matthew Dominguez, 32, was arrested on Thursday, May 12, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

San Jose police officer Matthew Dominguez faces up to a year in jail. list.  (Santa Clara County DA’s Office)

If convicted, he could face a year in jail and be placed on the sexual offender list for 10 years

The San Jose Police Department placed Dominguez on administrative leave.

“The charged behavior is beyond disturbing,” Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said.

“Law enforcement officers respond to our homes to help crime victims, not terrorize, traumatize, and create new victims.”

Officer Is a Four-Year Veteran of the Department

On April 21, Dominguez, a four-year veteran of the department, responded with two other officers to a home on a call that a mentally ill family member was being violent.

According to witness statements, after initiating the investigation, Dominguez sent the other officers away to locate the subject, authorities said. Shortly thereafter, Dominguez touched himself in front of two female family members. Subsequent to this, Dominguez exposed himself to the mother.

The victims fled and reported the officer’s behavior to two male relatives nearby, the DA’s office said. One victim also witnessed the officer exposing himself in a dining area.

The DA’s office said that the investigation is ongoing.