Phelton Calhoun, 37, of Laguna Niguel, a former general manager of a Laguna Beach hotel, La Casa Del Camino, was arrested on suspicion of multiple felony charges, including the r*pe of a minor, drug sales and illegal firearm possession, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department.
Calhoun was arrested after an investigation by police detectives and the LBPD Special Enforcement Team. He was booked at the Orange County Jail and is being held there in lieu of bail.
Police officers were notified of a sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl on July 15. The assault allegedly took place in Laguna Beach approximately three weeks earlier. The victim alleged that Calhoun r*ped her while she was intoxicated.
Detectives then identified Calhoun, the former general manager of La Casa Del Camino hotel, as the suspect.
During the police investigation, authorities also learned Calhoun was allegedly selling cocaine and carrying a firearm. A search warrant at his residence found additional narcotics and firearms, according to the police.
Calhoun was initially booked into the Laguna Beach Jail on suspicion of r*ping an intoxicated person, statutory r*pe of a minor more than three years younger, sending harmful material to a minor, possession of narcotics for sale and possession of a firearm and narcotics.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Flagstad at 949-715-0984. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or online at occrimestoppers.org.
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Here’s a summary of the potential penalties the suspect could face under California law:
1. Rape of a Minor (Statutory and Forcible R*pe):
- Forcible r*pe of a minor (age 14–17): 7 to 11 years in state prison.
- Statutory r*pe (victim under 18 and suspect more than 3 years older): 16 months to 4 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Lifetime registration as a s*x offender is likely.
2. Drug Possession for Sale (Cocaine):
- Felony offense.
- 2 to 4 years in state prison.
- Up to $20,000 in fines.
- Sentence enhancements possible if near schools or involving minors.
3. Illegal Firearm Possession:
- Felony if in possession while committing another felony or if previously convicted.
- Up to 3 years in state prison.
- Additional time if firearms were loaded or used in a crime.
Other Consequences:
- Lifetime ban on owning firearms.
- Possible deportation if not a U.S. citizen.
- If convicted of multiple felonies, California’s “Three Strikes” law could apply, increasing future penalties up to life in prison.