RivCo Sheriff's Deputy Accused Of Sextortion Against Female Inmates

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A corrections deputy suspected of sextorting female inmates in Banning was behind bars Monday in lieu of $1 million bail, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and jail records.

Christian Phillip Heidecker, 32, was booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta Friday night following his arrest at a Murrieta home on Talavera Court, according to jail records.

Jail records show he was booked on suspicion of four counts of extortion using a position of authority, three counts of attempting to sexually assault an inmate, and one count of using a position of authority to commit sexual penetration against a victim's will — all felonies.

The investigation into Heidecker began Aug. 31 after sheriff's investigators were notified of possible crimes being committed by an employee formerly assigned to the Riverside Alternative Sentencing Program located at the Coordinated Custody Management Unit in Banning. Inmates assigned to the program must wear ankle monitors to complete their court-ordered sentencing while confined to their homes. Investigators say they learned a correctional deputy was extorting female inmates assigned to the home confinement unit.

As a result of his arrest, Heidecker was placed on administrative leave, according to the sheriff's department.

Sheriff's officials believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Investigator R. Deanne at 951-955-2777.