Officer Could Be Fired if Guilty of Abuse

A police officer about to go on trial on a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence may be fired if he is found guilty, because a federal law forbids abusers to carry guns.

Fullerton police responded to a call at Garden Grove Police Officer Rex Bond’s home on the morning of Jan. 3 and arrested him after observing his 22-year-old girlfriend had “red marks, complaint of pain, minor injuries,” Fullerton Police Sgt. Dave Stanko said.

Bond, 37, pleaded not guilty and awaits trial.

If Bond, a training officer and 15-year veteran of the force, is found guilty, he would have to surrender his sidearm and, perhaps, his badge, Garden Grove Police Capt. Dave Albrecht said.

A September amendment to the 1968 Gun Control Act made it illegal for domestic abuse offenders to possess guns.

“When it comes to finding him a position where he is not carrying a gun or enforcing the law, well a larger agency could do it, but it’s a little tough for a smaller or medium-size agency,” Albrecht said. “We don’t have a lot of positions floating around.”

If Bond cannot be reassigned, and no other option becomes available, he would likely be fired, Albrecht said.

“We’re taking a wait-and-see attitude,” he said. “It is an awkward situation for us. . . . [Bond] is well thought of by his peers and a knowledgeable officer.”

Bond, who remains on active duty, could not be reached for comment Thursday.