WEST HOLLYWOOD—A retired Los Angeles Police Department sergeant was charged on Tuesday, March 8 for his involvement in an alleged domestic violence incident with his husband at their West Hollywood home on March 4.
According to a press release from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Mitchell Gareth Grobeson, 47, was charged with one felony count each of assault with a firearm and criminal threats. There is also an allegation that Grobeson personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a handgun, at the time of the crime. He is accused of pointing a firearm at his spouse forcing him to leave the residence, the prosecutor noted.
The victim contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to seek help in gathering some of his belongings from the home, the prosecutor added. When authorities arrived, Grobeson allegedly barricaded himself inside the home for close to 3 hours before surrendering to police.
Grobeson is the first openly gay LAPD sergeant. Back in 1988, he filed a lawsuit against the LAPD where he alleged he was forced into retirement because of his sexual orientation.
The prosecution has asked for his bail to be set at $100,000 and for a criminal protective order. If convicted, the defendant could face a possible maximum penalty of 14 years in state prison.
The case is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Division.
