San Jose Police have carried out a search warrant on Councilmember Omar Torres amid an ongoing criminal investigation.
An informed source has also verified to NBC Bay Area that the inquiry pertains to claims of sexual abuse materials involving minors. The San Jose Spotlight first covered the details of the investigation involving Torres.
On Thursday, officers apprehended Torres and executed the warrant. The Mercury News, which first covered the story, did not clarify the specifics of the warrant right away.
“SJPD can confirm that a police investigation is underway involving a member of the San Jose City Council,” the department told NBC Bay Area in a statement. “The investigation is active and ongoing. For this reason, we do not have more information to provide at this time. As the investigation unfolds and new information is discovered, SJPD hopes to provide an update at a later date.”
NBC Bay Area made several attempts to reach Torres but was unable to connect with him. Torres’ phone number went directly to voicemail, and NBC Bay Area was unable to leave a message.
Torres expressed to NBC Bay Area that the allegations are “deeply troubling” and emphasized that they will not shake his dedication to the community.
“Today I was wrongfully detained and questioned by detectives regarding baseless allegations,” Torres said. “Let me be absolutely clear—these accusations are entirely false. I cooperated fully with SJPD and turned over my passwords without issue as I have nothing to hide. I want to be clear that I am the victim in this matter. It’s heartbreaking that my family, my partner, my team, and myself have to respond to such unfounded and defamatory allegations.”
Torres stated that the claims made against him stemmed from false information and were retaliatory actions.