Former San Bernardino sheriff's deputy pleads not guilty to charges he had sex with minor

A former San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy accused of having sex with an underage girl has pleaded not guilty. The 16 year old was a “scout” in the department’s now-suspended ride-along program for young people interested in law enforcement careers.

Authorities arrested Nathan Gastineau two months ago for allegedly having sex with a 16-year-old girl enrolled in the department’s Explorer Scout program.

The encounters allegedly occurred while the girl was on patrol with the deputy; they may have begun when the girl was 15. Gastineau faces six counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and lewd acts on a minor. The 30-year-old former deputy pleaded not guilty.

Authorities say they have pictures and video that back up the allegations.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops suspended the Scout Explorer program last month after another deputy was arrested for having sex with a different underage girl.

Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred is representing the 16-year-old girl in the Gastineau case.

A Riverside newspaper says the girl appeared in court but did not speak to reporters. Gastineau and the girl were also members of the Inland Empire Ghostbusters, a group of science fiction fans who appear at charity events and parades dressed as characters from the popular film.