A former Garden Grove police sergeant was taken into custody early Thursday by the U.S. Marshals Service following felony charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a fellow officer and the kidnapping and sexual assault of a department employee, prosecutors said Friday.
Charles William Starnes II, 52, is charged with kidnapping to commit a sex offense, sexual penetration by a foreign object by force, sexual penetration by a foreign object by intoxicating and controlled substance, and assault with intent to commit a sexual offense. The charges stem from incidents in 2007 and 2020 during his tenure with the law enforcement agency, according to Orange County Superior Court records.
During his arraignment on Friday, Starnes pleaded not guilty to all counts. He remains held in custody on a $5 million bail. His defense attorney, Brian Gurwitz, stated in an email Friday evening that his client denies the allegations and is eager for the truth to emerge in court.
Orange County prosecutors outlined two separate incidents in court filings. In March 2007, Starnes allegedly sexually assaulted a fellow officer inside a Stanton bar as she exited the women’s restroom, dragging her into the parking lot where the assault continued until two officers intervened. In a separate incident in 2020, prosecutors allege he assaulted a female civilian police employee inside a vehicle while they were traveling from a Long Beach bar gathering to a makeshift lounge operated by the police association.
If convicted on all counts, Starnes faces a maximum sentence ranging from seven years to life, plus an additional 14 years in state prison.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized the severity of the allegations and institutional accountability. The badge is not a shield from accountability, Spitzer said, expressing gratitude that the acts of sexual violence have come to light so justice can be pursued for victims who suffered in silence.
Starnes previously served as president of the Garden Grove Police Association and retired from the department in May 2026 while on administrative leave.
The Garden Grove Police Department issued a statement Friday confirming that the investigation remains ongoing and pledging continued cooperation with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
