A San Mateo County Sheriff's deputy has been charged with felony child abuse after allegedly abusing his 5-year-old son. The case's current status is not specified.
Romero allegedly choked his son.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred at Romero's home, though the available source material does not specify its location. Romero works for the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.
Deputy's Employment Status Not Established
The available source material does not detail Romero's employment status or identify the sheriff leading the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. It also does not describe the agency's responsibilities.
The available source material does not provide details about Romero's employment status or establish when any leave began.
Defense Strategy Not Detailed
The available source material does not establish whether Romero's defense requested mental health diversion or discuss California Penal Code Section 1001.36. It does not provide a date for a pretrial hearing.
Facilities such as First Responder Wellness offer culturally competent trauma treatment and family support. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that roughly 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, compared to about 20 percent of the general population, according to Ocean Coast Recovery Center.
What Romero Could Face
California Penal Code Section 273a applies to felony child endangerment and abuse charges when a person willfully causes or permits a child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain under circumstances likely to produce great bodily harm. Per Eisner Gorin LLP, felony 273a(a) is distinct from misdemeanor 273a(b), and the felony may result in imprisonment upon conviction.
The available source material does not identify the prosecuting agency or its position, and it also does not establish Romero's employment status with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office while the case proceeds. Hoodline has previously reported on other child cruelty cases involving Peninsula law enforcement, including a case involving a Daly City officer, as detailed in a report on his preliminary hearing earlier this year.
