Former cop convicted of assaulting wife

PICO RIVERA - A former Long Beach police officer was convicted Tuesday of multiple felony and misdemeanor counts of assaulting his wife at their Pico Rivera home last year and early this year.The eight-woman, four-man Los Angeles Superior Court jury deliberated a day before convicting 30-year-old Brandon Preciado of 13 felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon, corporal injury to a spouse, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and making criminal threats. The jury also found that Preciado personally used a belt, baton and flashlight in some of the attacks. Preciado was acquitted of one count of misdemeanor resisting arrest and five felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon and corporal injury to a spouse. On those five counts, however, the jury convicted the defendant of alternate misdemeanor assault and battery charges. Deputy District Attorney Amy Pentz said Preciado faces about 20 years in state prison. Trial Judge Craig Richman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 29. The assaults at the couple's home occurred between Sept. 18, 2011, and Jan. 12. Preciado, at the time a Long Beach police officer, was arrested by Sheriff's deputies after a lengthy standoff.

********** Published: October 4, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 25