Public Safety
Ex-ICE Agent Who Raped Women Sentenced to Life in Prison
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – A 48-year-old former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent from Riverside who sexually assaulted two women was sentenced Monday to life in federal prison.
John Jacob Olivas was convicted in December of three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law.
During a hearing at U.S. District Court in Riverside Monday, Judge Jesus Bernal imposed the sentence sought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Olivas is a sexual predator, who willfully abused his power as a federal agent to torment his victims, causing them physical, emotional and psychological pain,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said. “Those who abuse their power as public officials must be held accountable.
“We hope the sentence imposed in this civil rights case eases the victims’ anguish and reminds would-be offenders that there is a stiff penalty for law enforcement officials who violate their vow to enforce and uphold the law.”
Olivas was indicted in 2018 following an investigation that began three years earlier.
Olivas was an ICE agent from 2007 until his resignation in 2015, working most of that time in Homeland Security Investigations, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to the indictment, Olivas assaulted and attempted to rape a woman in January 2012, telling her during the encounter that “the police would not be responsive” to any allegations she might make against him because of his status as a federal law enforcement officer.
Olivas further claimed he was “`above a cop,’ `untouchable’ and `invisible’ to police due to his position as a federal agent,” according to the prosecution.
Olivas told the victim he could arrange for child welfare workers to take custody of her children if she tried to inform on him.
Olivas raped a second woman in September 2012 and again in November of that year.
The victim testified that “Olivas made it clear … that police would not respond to any report she might make about attacks by him, causing the victim to believe that he was `invincible’ to the criminal justice system,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
According to the witness, the then-lawman pointed his gun at her before attacking her.
Olivas told the victim on both occasions that she would not gain anything by going to the police because they would believe whatever he told them and reject her claims.
Prosecutors wrote in court documents that both women felt hopeless in the face of the defendant’s “violent, escalating, controlling, and intimidating behavior, which included his repeated brandishing of (Homeland Security) credentials and asserting that he was above the law.”
At the time of his arrest, FBI agents believed there might have been other women victimized by the defendant. But none but the two came forward.
Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.
By: Pristine Villarreal
May 9, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
A high-speed police chase in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, came to a dramatic end when the vehicle plunged into Lake Como. Dashcam video released by police shows the pursuit before the car crashes into the water. Four people inside the vehicle were pulled from the lake with no serious injuries reported. Police say the driver was charged with reckless driving. Watch the video and get more at NBCPalmSprings.com.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your annual flu shot. The CDC recommends flu vaccination every season for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and September or October is generally the ideal time for most people to get vaccinated. The 2026-27 flu vaccines have been updated to target the strains expected to circulate this season. There’s also a new option this year: Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you and make a plan to get vaccinated this fall. Learn more about DAP Health at DAPHealth.org. #FluSeason #FluShot #FluVaccine #DAPHealth #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Health #Wellness #NBCPalmSprings
Murder Suspect Vicky Kim was set to appear in court at the Larson Justice Center today following her recent medical clearance to appear in court, but refused. However, she may be forced to appear should she refuse again. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we follow the latest developments of this case #VickyKim #arraignment #courtupdate #riversidecounty
🚨 20 ARRESTS. 6 GUNS SEIZED. Cathedral City Police report 20 arrests and six handgun seizures following two days of enforcement tied to a Mongols Motorcycle Club gathering. Police also issued 77 citations and impounded 14 vehicles. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and was four weeks in the making. #CathedralCity #BreakingNews #Mongols #CoachellaValley #PublicSafety
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry: last day of summer!
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews