A former sergeant in the Pima County Sheriff's Department has been sentenced to one year in jail Monday after being convicted of in the attempted sexual assault of a female coworker during a holiday party several deputies attended.
Ricky Garcia was further sentenced by Pima County Superior Court Judge Alan Goodwin on Monday to three years probation and must register as a sex offender.
In December a jury convicted Garcia of two counts of attempted sexual assault and two counts of sexual abuse. Jurors, however, found him not guilty of two counts of sexual assault.
Prosecutors said at trial that the deputy who was assaulted was one of several colleagues at a holiday party hosted by Garcia in 2022. She was extremely intoxicated by the party’s end, and witnesses testified she was carried to a guest bedroom. Garcia was accused of sexually assaulting the deputy while she was unconscious, according to previous court filings.
“I respect the court's decision and remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the rule of law,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos wrote in a statement regarding Garcia’s sentence. “This outcome reinforces our dedication to accountability and ensures that every member of our department adheres to the highest standards of conduct.”
“It serves as a clear reminder that no individual is above the law and that our actions must always reflect the trust and responsibility placed in us by the community we serve,” Nanos said.
At Monday's sentencing the judge said he recognized Garcia’s lack of criminal history, as well as his family and community support. He noted that Garcia has completed recommended treatment, and has a history of public service. However, these things are “counter balanced” with the misuse of his position of authority during the abuse of his victim, who was his subordinate, Allan said.
Garcia’s attorney, Louie Fidel, has recused himself from the case and requested a public defender represent Garcia during any future appeals.
Garcia was immediately taken into custody to begin his sentence.
