Former police officer pleads guilty to sex crimes against minor

Former City of Imperial police officer and local businessman Raymond J. Valenzuela pleaded guilty on Wednesday at el Centro Courthouse to one count of sodomy on a minor under the age of 14 years of age by a person more than ten years older than the victim.

The plea deal includes 8 years in state prison and the dropping of charges over a possible second victim who is believed to live in Mexicali. Deputy District Attorney Heather Trapnell said the victim, also a minor, could not be located to testify in court. She said the victim may not want to be contacted any more since he has changed phone numbers and social media contact information.

48-year-old Valenzuela was arrested in February and held on a one million-dollar bond.

“We had a strong case. There were facts that showed that Mr. Valenzuela committed this crime. The victim had already testified at the preliminary hearing, and he knew that the victim was prepared to proceed and had already given testimony. And I think given those facts he knew that he didn’t have a good defense,” Trapnell said.

Valenzuela’s sentencing is set for October 19 th .