A San Mateo County sheriff’s deputy has been arrested for allegedly abusing his 5-year-old son by forcing him to jump rope if he didn’t eat breakfast with a 15-minute time limit.
Deputy Steven Romero is accused of choking and abusing his son at his Livermore home in March, according to Alameda County District Attorney’s Office records cited by KTVU.
The incident reportedly escalated after the boy failed to finish eating his breakfast within a strict 15-minute time limit. When he didn’t jump rope fast enough, Romero allegedly choked him multiple times by his mouth and neck. He then dragged the child into his bedroom by his ear.
The boy was later taken to a hospital, where an attending physician concluded that visible bruising on his ear and neck was consistent with physical abuse, according to the Alameda County District Attorney, which has charged Romero.
Romero has been arrested and is free on bail. His law enforcement certification is temporarily suspended, a state database said.
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office told KTVU that Romero has been on leave since April 2025.
In a written statement, the agency said the allegations were brought to its attention during Romero’s ongoing leave, emphasizing that the alleged felony occurred off-duty in Alameda County. The sheriff’s office has launched an internal investigation.
Romero has requested a mental health diversion, which the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has opposed, KTVU reports.
Records show Romero has been treated at a specialized recovery program for first responders since June, with a diagnosis including alcohol and cannabis use disorders, PTSD, and major depression. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
It states here Romero has a home in Livermore, Alameda County. Is there no longer a San Mateo County residency requirement in order to be employed as a sworn officer by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s police?