LIVERMORE, Calif. — A routine breakfast at a Bay Area home allegedly turned into a disturbing confrontation after a San Mateo County Sheriff’s deputy was accused of choking his five-year-old son because the child did not eat quickly enough, prosecutors said.
Deputy Steven Romero allegedly attacked his young son at his Livermore home in March while he and the child’s stepmother were caring for the boy.
According to allegations from the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, the child was expected to finish his breakfast within 15 minutes. When he did not move quickly enough, prosecutors say Romero became aggressive.
The deputy allegedly choked the child around the mouth and neck before dragging him into his room by the ear.
The child was later taken to a hospital, where a doctor reportedly examined his injuries. Prosecutors said the boy had bruising, including bruising to his ear, and the doctor concluded that the injuries constituted physical abuse.
Deputy Faces Felony Child Abuse Charge
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Romero with felony child abuse in connection with the allegations.
Romero had already been on leave from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office since April 2025 when the allegations came to the agency’s attention.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that it was aware of the accusations and had launched an internal investigation.
“During Mr. Romero’s leave, criminal allegations were brought to the attention of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office,” the agency told. “The alleged conduct occurred off duty in Alameda County while Mr. Romero was on leave, which remains ongoing.”
The allegations concern conduct that prosecutors say happened away from Romero’s law enforcement duties. His employment status and the department’s internal review remain separate from the criminal case.
Neighbors Shocked by Allegations
The allegations have reportedly left some neighbors stunned.
People described Romero as a friendly family man and said they had seen him walking around the neighborhood with his children.
Neighbors said the family appeared loving and that they had not noticed obvious signs of problems or toxicity.
That contrast has made the allegations particularly difficult for people in the community to understand.
The criminal case, however, centers on what prosecutors say happened inside the Livermore home and the injuries later documented by medical personnel.
Defense Seeks Mental Health Diversion
Court records show that Romero’s legal team has requested mental health diversion, an effort that could potentially allow a defendant to receive treatment rather than proceed through the traditional criminal process if legal requirements are met.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has opposed the request.
Records reportedly show that Romero had been receiving treatment at a specialized recovery program for first responders since June.
His reported diagnoses at the program included alcohol and cannabis use disorders, PTSD and major depression.
Those records are now part of the broader legal proceedings as the court considers the defense’s request.
Pretrial Hearing Set for September 15
The case remains active, and Romero is expected back in court for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 15.
Authorities have not indicated that the allegations have been resolved, and the criminal proceedings will determine how the case moves forward.
The sheriff’s office’s internal investigation also remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, the allegations have raised questions about what happened during the March incident and whether the child was subjected to additional abuse beyond the conduct described by prosecutors.
For now, Romero faces a felony charge, while his attorneys seek mental health diversion and prosecutors oppose that effort.
What do you think about the allegations in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as the court proceedings continue.
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