A 51-year-old CAL FIRE paramedic was arrested in Placentia after Riverside County detectives served a search warrant on April 24, and investigators say they now believe there may be additional victims. Deputies took David Renteria into custody without incident in the 1000 block of Magnolia Avenue, then booked him into the Robert Presley Detention Center on multiple felony counts, including rape by force or fear, sexual penetration by force or fear, assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment. At least two people have reported being sexually assaulted, according to authorities.
Search warrant, arrest and charges
According to a news release, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force opened its case in January. The agency says the Regional Gang Task Force helped serve the Placentia search warrant, where deputies arrested Renteria without incident. Investigators listed the felony allegations and emphasized that the case remains active, noting they believe additional victims may be out there. Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
CAL FIRE said it is aware of the accusations and is cooperating with law enforcement. The department told reporters that Renteria has been on administrative time off and has not returned to duty since the agency was first notified of the allegations on Jan. 4, as reported by NBC Los Angeles.
Investigators seek additional victims
So far, at least two alleged victims have come forward to the sheriff’s anti-trafficking unit. Investigators are asking anyone who believes they may have been assaulted by Renteria to contact Investigator Joe Riddle at 951-955-1700 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099. The task force includes investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations, the Department of Social Services and probation, according to the sheriff’s statement. Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Context and oversight
The case arrives amid broader scrutiny of emergency-service agencies, where employees entrusted with public safety have, in several recent incidents, faced serious criminal investigations. Local coverage has pointed to a separate 2025 CAL FIRE employee arrest in Manteca on child pornography charges, a case that drew attention to how the department screens and supervises its staff. KCRA.
Legal process
Renteria currently faces multiple felony counts, and authorities say the investigation is ongoing, with the possibility that additional charges or victims could be identified as leads develop. The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and Renteria is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty by a judge or jury.
Resources for survivors
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office tip line or use the phone numbers listed above. Confidential support is also available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (RAINN). Officials say more information will be released as the investigation moves forward.
