California prosecutor who made offensive social media posts put on leave

A prosecutor in San Bernardino County, Calif., has been placed on administrative leave after offensive social media posts targeting Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), immigrants in the country illegally and others surfaced. 

Michael Selyem, the top gang prosecutor in the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, has been suspended from the job until an investigation into his comments wraps up, District Attorney Michael Ramos said in a statement.

“The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office does not condone hate, discrimination or incitement of violence,” Ramos said. “Our community and the entire criminal justice system depends on having fair, ethical, and unbiased prosecutors.”

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Selyem came under fire after his social media rants emerged, triggering calls for his resignation. The San Bernardino Sun first reported the existence of an investigation into his comments.

Selyem’s posts went after an array of targets, including Waters, former first lady Michelle Obama and the victim of a police shooting. 

“Being a loud-mouthed c— in the ghetto you would think someone would have shot this bitch by now,” Selyem reportedly said of Waters.

And in an online argument over a police-involved shooting, Selyem reportedly wrote: “That shitbag got exactly what he deserved. … You reap what you sow. And by the way go f— yourself you liberal shitbag,” according to The Sun.

The comments first came to the attention of the district attorney’s office on June 28, Ramos said, adding that the office “took immediate steps to initiate a personnel investigation.” The Sun, however, reported that an initial complaint was actually made on June 25.

That investigation could result in disciplinary action against Selyem, including possible termination, Ramos said.