On December 16, 2009 detectives from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Sex Crimes Unit reported to the Orange County Corrections Internal Affairs Unit in reference to allegations of inappropriate touching of female inmates by a male corrections officer (CO).
OCSO investigators met with the two female inmates who disclosed Corrections Officer (CO) Michael Combs had touched them while they awaited trial in Booking and Release Center holding cells. OCSO investigators conducted separate interviews of the aforementioned victims. One victim disclosed CO Combs patted her on the buttocks against her will. The other victim made the same allegation and stated that Combs touched her breast and engaged in other inappropriate touching.
The investigators responded to the residence of CO Michael Combs. Combs invited the detectives into his residence and engaged them in a consensual conversation about the allegations. He admitted to patting the two women on their clothed buttocks, and engaging in other inappropriate touching. Combs insisted his actions were not sexually motivated, but only done to encourage the inmates.
CO Combs was arrested in Lake County where he resides and has been charged with two counts of battery.
The investigation is ongoing.
