August 16, 2023 - Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on November 24, 2022, at approximately 12:45 a.m., Deputies responded to the area of Beachwood Drive and Santa Fe Drive for an injured person in the roadway. When Deputies arrived, they located the injured man in the street.

The victim told Deputies that he was transported from the City of Merced to the area of Beachwood Drive and Santa Fe Drive by Merced Police Officer Paynter, then assaulted. He also reported that his personal property was taken from him and never returned.

The Merced County Sheriff's Office Investigations Bureau began their investigation. Based on the findings of the investigation, Detectives submitted the case to the Merced County District Attorney's Office. The Merced County District Attorney presented the case to a grand jury last week, and Jacob Paynter was indicted.

Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office