Roman Granados, the Chula Vista police officer accused of roughing up his girlfriend’s teenage son in an off-duty incident pleaded guilty Tuesday to lesser charges.
Granados pled guilty to one count of cruelty to a child by inflicting injury and an infraction for disturbing the peace.
His guilty plea wipes out two counts of battery and one count of child cruelty, said Deputy District Attorney Ryan Karkenny.
“The balance of the complaint was dismissed pursuant to the plea agreement,” Karkenny, said.
In the off-duty incident, Granados allegedly physically abused the teenager who, last June, was watching his sister’s sixth-grade promotion ceremony at Chula Vista Hills Elementary School.
The victim’s father previously said that Granados had “punched and choked” his son during the incident.
Initially, the boy had declined medical attention but later checked himself into a local hospital after experiencing head pain, police said.
Granados, a 16-year veteran of the department, remains on paid administrative leave.
Police Chief David Bejarano said Granados’ future with the department depends on his sentencing and the completion of the department’s administrative review.
Bejarano said an administrative investigation entails a review of the department’s policies and procedures. He said the department is investigating whether Granados violated any policies and procedures during the incident.
Bejarano said he expects the administrative investigation to be completed next month.
Bejarano said Granados’ actions during the incident are “obviously unacceptable” but says it shouldn’t hamper the department’s credibility with the community.
“This was a family issue involving members of his family,” Bejarano said. “He was not on duty or working in the capacity as a police officer.”
The Chula Vista Police Department conducted its own criminal investigation into the case and forwarded their findings to the District Attorney’s Office.
Karkenny said he believes that justice was served.
“This case was prosecuted as a serious case from the beginning and, as in all of our cases, we were seeking justice,” Karkenny said. “It is our belief that the plea deal provided that.”
Granados originally faced up to a year in jail, but as Karkenny said, “That’s up to the court to decide.”
A sentencing date is scheduled for Aug. 12.
The teenager last July also filed a restraining order against Granados, which prevents Granados from being within 100 yards of the teen.
In court papers, defense attorney Robert Baumann said the teenager misrepresented allegations that Granados “strangled” him with two hands outside the school’s auditorium.
Bauman said Granados continued to hold the hand of his girlfriend’s daughter at the time the teenager said he was strangled with both hands.
Baumann did not return messages seeking comment for this story.
