SD Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested In Temecula For Alleged Obstruction Of Investigation

A San Diego County sheriff's deputy's actions are under scrutiny today following her arrest on suspicion of obstructing a rape investigation in Riverside County.   

Lauren Thompson McAllister, 37, who works as an investigator at the San Diego County sheriff's Encinitas station, was arrested Sunday night at her home in the 32900 block of Poppy Street in Temecula.   

According to Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Kevin McDonald, deputies were called to the residence around 8:40 p.m. to investigate a reported sexual assault.   

McDonald said deputies encountered the alleged victim, a 26-year-old woman, outside the two-story house and were told that a man still inside, Matthew Joseph Frembling of Murrieta, had allegedly raped her. 

When deputies attempted to search the home, McAllister allegedly tried to stop them, leading to her arrest, according to the sergeant.   

He said the 34-year-old Frembling was located and taken into custody without further incident.   

McAllister was booked on suspicion of felony obstruction of a law
enforcement officer, being an accessory to a felony and misdemeanor resisting arrest. She posted $5,000 bail and was released from the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on Monday morning.   

Frembling was booked on suspicion of forcible rape and sexual penetration with a foreign object and wass being held in lieu of $50,000 bail at the Southwest Detention Center.   

The nature of the suspects' relationship was not disclosed.   

According to San Diego County sheriff's spokeswoman Melissa Aquino,
internal affairs investigators are looking into what transpired, and in the meantime, McAllister remains on paid administrative leave.--City News Service