Pismo Beach officer resigns after journalist outs their affair

July 22, 2022

Sgt. Adrian Souza

By JOSH FRIEDMAN and KAREN VELIE

A Pismo Beach police sergeant resigned last month after an investigation revealed he engaged in sex acts with a local broadcast journalist while on duty, a relationship that allegedly went south after one of the parties, both married to others, wanted more.

The consensual relationship began shortly after Sgt. Adrian Souza pulled over KCBX reporter Angel Russell for a traffic violation in June 2020, according to a complaint Russell submitted to the Pismo Beach Police Department.

During the relationship, Souza and Russell would meet while the sergeant was on duty. They would meet at locations including Judkins Middle School and the Shell Beach tennis courts.

Souza also went over to Russell’s apartment several times while on duty, in uniform and driving a police vehicle. They engaged in sex acts during those instances, according to Russell’s complaint.

On Feb. 15, 2022, Russell submitted a written complaint to Pismo Beach Police Chief Jeff Smith. Russell provided Pismo Beach police text exchanges, photos and videos pertaining to her relationship with Souza.

The following day, Smith ordered an internal affairs investigation and Souza was placed on paid administrative leave.

During the investigation, Souza admitted to having oral sex while on duty, documents show.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Smith notified Souza of his intent to fire him. Souza violated 13 city policies, including neglect of duty, willful misconduct, engaging in on-duty sexual activity and criminal, dishonest or disgraceful content.

Souza resigned on June 10, prior to his termination becoming effective. He is not facing any criminal charges.

On Thursday, the city of Pismo Beach released documents related to the investigation, as well as a statement on the matter.

“The City of Pismo Beach has made available redacted records pertaining to former Sergeant Souza, consistent with California law,” the statement said. “These records and related investigation materials indicate that the former officer engaged in inappropriate conduct while on duty with a consenting adult partner. When first alerted to this conduct, the city took action within hours and proceeded to conduct a lengthy and thorough investigation. The Sergeant is no longer a member of the Pismo Beach Police Department as he chose to resign prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process.”


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A 4 month paid vacation, must be nice, time to stop this ridiculous paid administrative leave policies, make them still go into the office and just sit at a desk.


That, that’s not my Baton!!


Kinda boring news, now if he found out that she was really the husband and broke it off, that would be news.


Always thought Angel Russel was a bit of a wild child, but this? it’s so high school — BJs in the parking lot. Of Course it was a police car, so maybe a tad more exciting and easier to swallow…

I wonder if they made a video


Totally stupid on both parties a women scorned is a women who will get you in the end. Should use the buyer beware when you decide to have sex when and where you shouldn’t


Boy, that sucks for her… Having to report him on his bad behavior, he loses his job, and she relocates to another “news” agency…


Don’t worry he will just move on to another department somewhere with this all covered up. he will be just fine and probably start up again at his new department.


As a female, I find Angel Russell’s behavior equally inappropriate! She gets to have a relationship, engaging in behavior that she knows is not ok (having sex with an officer who is on duty), report him when it ends, and then pick up and move to San Diego. How is that ok? I do not agree that he should have been doing this while on the clock and should have been disciplined, but not sure I agree with saying that he will be fired. I am always shocked when people who are misbehaving do not realize that the other person can be recording them, saving texts, taking pictures, etc…


As a woman I agree. Consensual extramarital affair on both ends. I’d be embarrassed turning over the photos and videos of my own stupidity.


100%!! A small part of me has a little sympathy for Sgt. Souza. This just seems completely vindictive!


Shouldn’t be fired? He did this in uniform! In a police car! We are supposed to trust these officer with our lives! SMH


He most certainly should be disciplined but firing a 15 year officer seems a bit much to me. He is not facing any criminal charges. Put him on unpaid leave for a lengthy time.


Uuugggghhhh. What was he thinking? She’s not even remotely attractive, and a vindictive Leftist at that.


“She’s not even remotely attractive”


PHWAT?????


Vindictive.


Yep.


That is too bad, We men do things sometimes .. The gal , I am sure did this to climb over his body I bet. On KSBY looks like a real winner .. Sorry .. a Good job he lost with respect I bet. No PD will hire her I bet. Control your self man!


Control your self man!


ummmmmmmmmmNO…..


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