SANTA CRUZ — A former Police Officer’s Association president and patrol officer accused of fondling four women in 2017 would have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life if he is convicted.

David Gunter, 44, of Salinas had his attorney, Stephen Laberge, appear for a disposition hearing Tuesday in Santa Cruz County Superior Court. It was the second hearing for which he did not have to appear in the misdemeanor case.

Gunter, a veteran patrol officer, faces four charges of sexual battery linked with unlawfully touching “intimate parts,” according to court documents.

Sexual battery is among the charges that, upon conviction, require registration as a sex offender in California. Anyone convicted of that crime has to notify the presiding law enforcement agency where they live. Gunter has not been convicted and is in the early stages of his case.

Three fellow police officers and a former officer accuse Gunter of misconduct in November and December 2017.

Gunter was fired after nearly two decades at the department. His last there was May 11, 2018, city officials have confirmed. He earned $164,516 in annual salary and benefits. Authorities have said Gunter’s suspected behavior and his departure rattled the culture of a small department with 94 budgeted sworn positions.

It was the third case in a month — after the Sentinel acquired documents in the case last month — involving officers accused of misconduct while employed by Santa Cruz County law enforcement agencies.

Watsonville officials fired two officers — one in 2014, another in 2017 — for having sex repeatedly with civilians while on duty; at least once in the front seat of a squad car and other times at homes while the officers were supposed to be working, according to an internal investigation.

Terms of release

Gunter was ordered not to leave the state without the court’s permission.

On Feb. 5, Superior Court Judge Syda Cogliati ordered Gunter not to be within 100 yards of his former colleagues.

Laberge has not commented on the case. He did not answer a phone call seeking comment Tuesday. Laberge specializes in cases involving drugs or suspected driving under the influence, according to his website. It is unclear who is paying for counsel.

Gunter did not respond to a phone call seeking comment Tuesday. He was arraigned in November. He pleaded not guilty in December after being released without bail, according to court documents.

Assistant District Attorney Jason Gill is prosecuting.

Gunter served as a detective in the Property Crimes and Investigations Section, according to a Santa Cruz Police Department Blog in 2011.

Police Chief Andy Mills has said he cannot comment on Gunter’s employment. Gunter’s personnel appeal is approaching its final stage, Mills has said. Gunter did not file a claim against the city, a city attorney has said. A claim might provide other details in the case.

Cogliati scheduled the next hearing for 8:30 a.m. April 24.