Former Deputy Accused of Having Sex with a Minor Pleads Not Guilty

A former San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy accused of having a sexual relationship with a minor pleaded not guilty today.

Nathan J. Gastineau, 31, of Redlands, appeared for his arraignment before San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Michael Dest. The young woman who has accused Gastineau of sexually molesting her was also in the courtroom. She was escorted by famed attorney Gloria Allred and her mother.

The court proceedings took only a few minutes. Gastineau posted $150,000 bail and was released. His next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2.

Allred addressed reporters outside the San Bernardino Courthouse after the arraignment. She told reporters the alleged victim is prepared to testify at Gastineau’s trial.

She asserted her belief in her client.

“There is no justification or excuse for a sworn peace officer to have betrayed his position of trust and power,” Allred said . “No law enforcement officer should ever victimize a minor whom he has a duty to protect.”

Gastineau, 31, of Redlands, faces three counts of lewd acts upon a child and three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, according to San Bernardino County District Attorney’s officials.

A second man Jason Henry Anguiano, 27, of Rialto, is also charged in the case and faces two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object and one count of unlawful sexual intercourse, officials said.

The men were arrested in April. Gastineau was arrested first and placed on administrative leave by the Sheriff's Department. He had been coordinator of the sheriff's Explorer program at the Highland Sheriff's Station. The girl had been a member of the program.

She had also been a member of the Inland Empire Ghostbusters, a nonprofit organization for fans of the movie. She reportedly met Anguiano through the group.

Allred said the family asked her to become involved to monitor the case. Though she is not being tried, Allred said she intends to make sure the young woman gets a fair trail.