Veteran Modesto police officer arrested on charges of molesting young relative | Crime

MODESTO, CA - A Modesto police officer was arrested on Monday evening on charges of molesting a relative under the age of 18, according to the Modesto Police Department.

Lt. Rick Armendariz said the Modesto Police Dept. was made aware of allegations of several sexual molestation incidents committed by Robert Hodges, 40, between 2009 and 2010.

A criminal investigation was launched in which investigators were able to find corroborating evidence for the accusation. A search warrant was subsequently obtained and Hodges, a 15-year veteran of the department, was arrested at a home in Oakdale and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on multiple felony sexual molestation charges, said Armendariz.

"I was shocked to learn of the allegations. No person is above the law and we will professionally investigate criminal complaints, no matter what the occupation of the suspect is," said Interim Police Chief Gene Balentine. "We have a high expectation of our employees and will hold them accountable for their actions, whether they are on-duty or off-duty."

Hodges was placed on paid administrative leave until the conclusion of this administrative investigation.

The victim's identity was withheld to protect her privacy, as well as the integrity of the case.

This case was handed over to the Stanislaus County District Attorney's office.