California prosecutor placed on leave over vulgar social media attacks on Maxine Waters, Michelle Obama

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last updated 10 July 2018

On Monday, San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos said he had placed his office's top gang prosecutor, Michael Selyem, on paid administrative leave during an investigation into vulgar and offensive social media posts. According to The San Bernardino Sun, Selyem called Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) a "loud-mouthed c--t" and said "you would think someone would have shot this bitch by now"; posted a crude photo about President Trump grabbing former first lady Michelle Obama by the penis; mocked Mexicans; and said of a victim of police shooting that the "sh--bag got exactly what he deserved."

Ramos said he learned about Selyem's Facebook and Instagram posts on June 28, and "more than several" people inside the district attorney's office and outside had complained about them. "As the district attorney, I was really concerned with comments regarding officer-involved shootings, because we handle those cases, as you know, on a daily basis," Ramos said at a news conference Monday. In the end, he added, Selyem could face "some form of disciplinary action, up to termination." Incoming District Attorney Jason Anderson said Selyem's comments are "not a reflection of the image I would like to portray of the DA's office." Selyem, 50, joined the San Bernardino district attorney's office 12 years ago. His cases are being reassigned.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.