Marysville officers charged

Two Marysville police officers were charged Friday with misdemeanors stemming from their search of a woman during a traffic stop, according to the Yuba County District Attorney's Office.

Charged are Amy Alfred and Joshua Hendrickson, who have been on paid administrative leave during the investigation into their conduct.

Steve Jones, chief deputy district attorney, said the charge stems from a violation of a state Penal Code section that states: "A person who knowingly and willfully authorizes or conducts a strip, visual or physical body cavity search in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor."

The incident occurred Jan. 26 in Marysville, Police Chief Wallace Fullerton said.

The investigation by the District Attorney's Office began earlier this month at the Police Department's request. Fullerton declined comment on the facts of the case beyond the press release issued Friday, but said he supports the decision to file charges.

"Obviously, we don't want to prejudice a jury," Fullerton said.

Also, discussing the case might hinder the department's own investigation of the incident, he said.

A conviction on the charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a fine, said Jones.

Fullerton said Alfred and Hendrickson will remain on paid administrative leave for the time being.

"At this time, that may or may not change," he said.

As Marysville Police officers, Alfred and Hendrickson are afforded the rights to an attorney under the Peace Officers Association, Sgt. Dustin Brown said. But because this instance is a personnel matter, it is otherwise out of the association's hands.

Hendrickson has received several awards for his work; in 2006 he was recognized for recovering 12 stolen vehicles and making three arrests in one year.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Rob Young at 749-4710 or ryoung@appealdemocrat.com.