Sheriff’s Detectives Re-Arrest former ADMH Doctor for Additional Rape

Allegation

November 30th, 2007 - Santa Barbara County

On November 9th, 2007, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a former Clinical Psychologist employed by the County’s Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Services (ADMHS) for Rape under color of authority.  Sheriff’s Detectives first learned of the allegations against Doctor Fernando Cordero on October 25th.  A 44 year old female, currently in County Jail on theft related charges, contacted Jail Mental Health Services and claimed that she had been coerced into a sexual relationship by Dr. Cordero over three years ago when she was a patient of his at the County’s ADMHS located on Foster Road in Santa Maria. 

At the time of the arrest, detectives had learned that there were at least two victims of Dr. Cordero’s and were investigating the possibility of a third victim.  Since the initial media coverage of the allegations, a fourth victim has come forward claiming that she was coerced into a sexual relationship with Dr. Cordero while she was a patient of his at the County ADMHS clinic.  The fourth victim claimed she was victimized over the course of several years.   

Detectives investigated the allegations from the fourth victim and ultimately obtained a warrant for Cordero’s arrest.  Doctor Fernando Cordero was arrested at his Orcutt home on November 29th 2007 and booked for an additional charge of 261(a) (7) PC – Rape under color of authority.  In addition to these new allegations, Sheriff’s Detectives learned through a credible source that Dr. Cordero was planning on fleeing the country in an effort to avoid trial.  Detectives requested a bail increase from the $100,000 bail previously posted.  Cordero is currently being held in Santa Barbara County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail. 

Sheriff’s Detectives continue to solicit help from the public.  Anyone with information regarding these allegations or additional victims is asked to call Sheriff’s Detectives at 934-6170.

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