A former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy had his Peace Officer Standards and Training certification suspended last month following a September arrest in Long Beach on suspicion of driving under the influence causing injury, according to authorities and records.
Justin Abel Cham, 48, of Long Beach has pleaded not guilty to charges he faces, according to court records.
Cham “separated” from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Sept. 30, LASD authorities said.
“The Department upholds the highest standards of conduct for our personnel, both on and off duty,” the department said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that all employees adhere to department policies and maintain professionalism the community expects and deserves. When individuals violate department guidelines or the law, they are held accountable.”
His certification was suspended on Nov. 13 by the state’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, a state oversight committee on peace officers, pending the results of his criminal court proceedings. During a suspension, the person cannot perform as a police officer.
Cham was arrested on Sept. 18 after Long Beach police responded to a single-vehicle crash near Pacific Coast Highway and Bellflower Boulevard, said Officer Eric Stachura, a department spokesman. Police said it appeared the vehicle was headed north on PCH when the driver lost control and hit a wall.
A passenger suffered lower-body injuries, police said, and was hospitalized.
Cham was released a short time later on his own recognizance, according to inmate records. An attorney representing Cham could not be reached for comment on the case or the suspension of Cham’s certification.
Cham was scheduled to appear in Long Beach Superior Court in January to set a date for a preliminary hearing, according to court records.
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