Los Angeles police officer charged with off-duty rapes

A Los Angeles police officer has been charged with committing two rapes while off duty.

The Police Department says Officer William Rodriguez was arrested Tuesday after an investigation into a reported sexual assault involving an acquaintance in November 2018 and a so-called "cold hit" DNA link to a sexual assault in August 2015.

A department statement says the 10-year veteran is currently in custody and has been relieved of police powers.

Rodriguez is expected to be arraigned today in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Prosecutors have recommended that his bail be set at $1.2 million.

If convicted, Rodriguez faces a maximum sentence of 30 years to life in prison.