Merced police officer arraigned on kidnapping, robbery charges

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- An officer with the Merced Police Department was arraigned on several felony charges on Monday.

The Merced County District Attorney's Office says Officer Jacob Paytner is facing charges of kidnapping, second-degree robbery, assault by an officer, false imprisonment, filing a false report, petty theft, and acting without regular process.

At 12:45 am on November 24, 2022, Merced County Sheriff's deputies found an injured man in the roadway near Beachwood and Santa Fe drives.

The sheriff's office says the man told deputies that Paytner picked him up in the city and drove him out to the area where he was found.

Investigators say Paytner assaulted the man and took some of his belongings before leaving him there.

A grand jury decided to indict Paynter on the charges on Friday.

Paytner's trial has been set for October 3.