Ex-Yuma officer named in sexual misconduct investigation

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT, FOX 9) - Bobby Garcia has been named as the Yuma Police officer under investigation for sexual misconduct with a minor.

His name was revealed during an Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training ( Arizona POST) Board meeting in November.

The investigation began after an 18-year-old female came forward and reported having a sexual relationship with the former officer while she was 17 years old.

"The 17-year-old had reported that she had been involved in a sexual relationship with officer Garcia; however no evidence has been able to come forward to prove that a sexual relationship occurred," explained Steve Jacobs.

During the meeting, it was revealed the officer denied allegations of a personal or sexual relationship, but text messages on the victim's phone contradicted his denial of a personal relationship.

Inside the messages, was communication about the girl dropping off beer for Garcia and the ex-officer asking for a twerking video, according to Jacobs.

The officer is under criminal investigation, but Jacobs said it is at a standstill because the former officer's phone cannot be unlocked. Garcia's phone was taken after a search warrant was presented for it.

"He refused to provide the PIN number on his phone. Neither the FBI crime lab or the DPS crime lab has been able to open and access that phone," said Jacobs.

On May 22, New 11 reported the relationship happened between 2017 and 2018.

Garcia resigned on June 26.

News 11 will be speaking to the Yuma Police Department in regards to the investigation. Tune in at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. for more details.