Tara K. McGrath, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California
Jonathan Christopher LaRoche, a former detective with the Naval Base San Diego Criminal Investigations Division, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. The sentencing follows his guilty plea to charges of using excessive force on a Navy sailor and making a false statement.
In July 2024, LaRoche admitted to Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law for an incident in November 2023 where he used a carotid restraint on a handcuffed sailor until unconsciousness and later physically assaulted him. He also acknowledged concealing his history of excessive force at the El Cajon Police Department to secure employment with the Navy.
The victim, identified only as G.D., described experiencing "unimaginable pain, trauma, and brutality" during the court hearing. U.S. District Judge John A. Houston criticized LaRoche's actions as "extraordinary conduct for someone with your law enforcement experience," labeling it "disgusting, violent, and extremely disturbing."
LaRoche is required to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons by April 21, 2025. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath emphasized that her office will hold accountable those who abuse their power: “The victim in this case was handcuffed, defenseless, and posed no threat—yet a sworn officer chose to violate his rights through violence.”
Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Carter of the NCIS Southwest Field Office stated: “Mr. LaRoche betrayed his oath as a law enforcement officer when he used excessive force on a sailor who was handcuffed and defenseless.”
As part of his plea agreement, LaRoche resigned from his position prior to sentencing and is barred from future employment with any law enforcement agency.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Askins prosecuted the case in coordination with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
