Former reserve police officer charged with drugging, raping and shaving friend

A former Redondo Beach reserve police officer has been arrested for allegedly drugging an acquaintance, raping him and shaving off the victim's body hair, authorities said.

John Haig Marshall, 53, was arrested Oct. 8 near his home on North Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach, said Sgt. Phil Keenan.

Marshall was booked on charges of rape using an intoxicating substance and released on $100,000 bail. The charges were first reported Monday by the Daily Breeze.

The arrest came after the 29-year-old victim came forward last month to report that Marshall had slipped him some sort of date rape drug and raped and shaved him in late September.

Police searched Marshall's home and recovered evidence that confirmed the victim's account of the sexual assault. They believe he may have assaulted others in the past.

Marshall, who resigned in 1981 after serving nine months as a reserve officer, was the subject of at least two complaints over the last 10 years, alleging he had drugged and sexually abused other men and boys in his home over a 30-year period. But this is the first time he has been charged.

Police ask anyone with more information to call Detective Denise Brenner at (310) 379-2477, Ext. 2320.

-- Tony Barboza

Photo: John Haig Marshall. Credit: Redondo Beach Police Department

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