Garden Grove police arrested one of their own officers last week after investigators found possible evidence of inappropriate contact between the officer and a teenage girl in the department's Police Explorer program — a volunteer initiative that recruits minors interested in law enforcement careers.

Officer Roberto Machuca, 32, was taken into custody on the morning of June 27 at 11301 Acacia Pkwy in Garden Grove and booked into Orange County Jail. Investigators had first been notified the day before, on Friday, June 26, of possible inappropriate interactions between Machuca and the juvenile female explorer. He was relieved of his duties and placed on administrative leave at the time of his arrest.

Explorer program recruits participants as young as 14

Garden Grove's Police Explorer program gives teenagers a hands-on look at law enforcement. Participants take part in training exercises, community events, and other department activities. The program requires participants to be at least 14 years old, according to GGPD Sgt. Nick Jensen.

The victim's age and identity are being withheld by the department. In a statement, GGPD said: "The safety and security of our youth volunteers remains a top priority."

No charges filed yet; case heading to the DA

GGPD investigators are working with the Orange County District Attorney's Office. The full case file will be sent to the DA once the internal investigation is complete. No charges had been formally filed as of publication.

The department has declined to release details about the nature of the alleged interactions while the investigation is active.

Explorer programs are operated by law enforcement agencies across the country, giving teenagers exposure to police work from their mid-teens through early twenties. Allegations of misconduct involving youth volunteers have prompted calls for additional oversight from law enforcement watchdog groups in several states in recent years.

This is the second time in 2026 that an Orange County law enforcement officer has faced misconduct charges. In April, a former Fountain Valley officer was charged with felony grand theft after investigators found he collected pay for court appearances he never made, leading to 27 dismissed traffic cases.

Machuca remains on administrative leave. The department said it will release further information once the investigation concludes.