San Diego Area Deputy Tries to Kill Himself

Authorities in San Diego report that a local deputy charged with sexually assaulting a prostitute earlier this year in Mission Valley has tried to take his own life.

Thomas Sadler, 47, was arrested this past Thursday on a host of felony charges for his alleged conduct on Feb. 6 with a prostitute.

He reportedly picked the woman up and took her to a location where he forcibly touched her breasts and genitals. Several people witnessed the alleged action and the woman later came forward to provide police with a license plate description of Sadler's unmarked police vehicle. The woman and two witnesses later pointed out Sadler in a photo lineup.

Police did not describe how Sadler reportedly attempted suicide, only that it was on Friday and that he was recovering in a local hospital.

Sadler is slated to be arraigned on the charges on Aug. 7.

San Diego Deputy Charged in Prostitute Assault

Authorities have arrested and charged a San Diego County sheriff's deputy with sexual battery under the color of authority and false imprisonment charges related to a February incident involving a prostitute.

Thomas J. Sadler, 47, was arrested without incident Thursday afternoon at his Santee home.

Sadler, who has been a member of the department for 20 years, reportedly was on duty and driving his assigned, unmarked vehicle, last February when he pulled up alongside a prostitute who was sitting on a bus bench on El Cajon Boulevard. He reportedly ordered the woman to get into his car and the two drove to Camino Del Rio South in Mission Valley, near the intersection of Interstates 8 and 805, and parked. Police allege that he then fondled the woman's genitals and breasts.

Three witnesses reportedly viewed the incident and made a 911 call to report a kidnapping was taking place.

The woman later called police that she spotted the deputy and took down his plate number. When police went to question Sadler, who has not yet been arraigned, he reportedly refused to cooperate.

Sadler was later identified by the woman and two others in a photo lineup.