Northern California police sergeant is sought, accused of assault and domestic battery
A Northern California sheriff’s office says it has probable cause to arrest a police sergeant for assault with a firearm and other charges including domestic battery, and that the sergeant is believed to be in another state.
The Amador County Sheriff’s Office identified Sgt. Rachel Butler of the Jackson Police Department as the suspect involved in an alleged domestic incident Wednesday.
“After speaking with the victim, it was determined that probable cause existed to arrest Butler for domestic battery, criminal threats, and assault with a firearm,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Sunday night news release.
“At this time, Butler is believed to have gone to Oklahoma, and the investigation is ongoing.”
Jackson Police Chief Christopher Mynderup in a statement Monday confirmed his department is aware of the criminal investigation and that a warrant has been issued for Butler’s arrest.
The alleged incident happened while Butler, a 14-year veteran of the department who was promoted to sergeant in 2019, had “been off work on an extended leave of absence due to an unrelated medical procedure,” Mynderup wrote.
She had been scheduled to return from leave in February, the chief said.
Amador County Superior Court records show felony charges were filed Monday against Rachel Anne Fitzsimons Butler, including one count of criminal threats and one count of assault with a firearm. Court records list both alleged offenses as having occurred Jan. 6.
Court records also confirm an arrest warrant was issued for Butler last Friday.
“The Jackson Police Department understands that police officers are held to a higher standard,” Mynderup wrote. “We do not condone this type of behavior and these allegations go against everything we stand for.”
Mynderup said his department is cooperating with the sheriff’s investigation. He urged Butler “to peacefully turn herself in.”
This story was originally published January 31, 2022 at 8:56 AM.
