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LAPD officer arrested in Austin on suspicion of sexual assault had history of misconduct allegations

April 6, 2009 | 6:09 pm

A Los Angeles police officer was arrested over the weekend in Travis County, Texas, for allegedly forcing himself on a motel employee while she was retrieving a crib for his child, authorities said today.

Silvio Sam Filipovich, 43, was taken into custody Friday night at the Mountain Star Lodge motel just outside Austin, Texas, and was booked on suspicion of attempted sexual assault. He was released after posting $20,000 bond, said Travis County Sheriff's spokesman Roger Wade.

Filipovich was "not on active duty," and was "on an extended leave" at the time of the reported incident, according to a source familiar with the case who said he was not authorized to discuss the case because it was a personnel matter.

According to authorities, Filipovich allegedly had asked a female motel employee for a crib for his infant child about 10:30 p.m. Friday. He then allegedly pushed her into a closet and tried to fondle her breasts and genitals before she fought him off and called for help.

Filipovich could not immediately be reached for comment.

Records obtained by The Times show that the 21-year veteran LAPD officer had a history of misconduct allegations leveled against him.

The records, which date back to 1995, show that department officials had recommended discipline of more than 100 days for alleged offenses by Filipovich that include trying to improperly convert an on-duty contact into a social relationship, making a discourteous remark and being discourteous during traffic stops.

In one case, records show, department officials alleged that while off duty, Filipovich "inappropriately exposed [his] penis in a public place." It was unclear from the records what, if any, discipline he received.

-- Andrew Blankstein

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/04/lapd-officer-arrested-in-austin-on-suspicion-of-sexual-assault-had-history-of-misconduct-allegations.html