A former Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) officer was arrested today by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) and charged with felony counts by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division, including burglary, assault with a firearm and false imprisonment charges, the LBPD announced.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, 34-year-old Toby Benskin, a 14-year LBPD employee, allegedly broke into the residence of his estranged wife’s boyfriend on October 27, 2015. He allegedly assaulted and threatened to kill the man before threatening the man’s roommate, who came to see what was happening. He then allegedly forcibly dragged his wife from the residence.

Benskin faces up to 25 years, eight months in state prison if convicted, the district attorney’s office stated.

According to the LBPD, the department became aware on October 28, 2015 of the off-duty incident that had occurred the day prior, involving Benskin, who had been assigned to the Investigations Bureau.

The LBPD immediately launched an internal administrative investigation regarding Benskin after learning of the misconduct. The department also placed Benskin on administrative leave, given the seriousness and nature of the allegations. His duties as a police officer were discontinued, the announcement stated.

“When we take our oath of office, we assume a tremendous responsibility which includes upholding the values and maintaining the integrity of our police department and profession,” stated Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna. “When an officer betrays the public trust we have worked so hard to cultivate, they must be held accountable.”

At the conclusion of the investigation on June 20 of this year, Benskin was terminated.

Upon presentation of the case to the District Attorney’s Justice System Integrity Division, Benskin was charged with nine felony charges, including burglary, assault with a firearm, criminal threats, and false imprisonment. The division subsequently issued an arrest warrant, arresting Benskin this morning.

He is being held on $200,000 bail.

The Long Beach Police Department will not be releasing anything further information regarding the investigation, they announced. For additional information, contact the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.