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No Sex Tape, But Investigation Following Murder Has 16 Cal Fire Firefighters On Paid Leave

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sixteen firefighters are on leave as authorities continue their investigation into the case surrounding a former Cal Fire battalion chief accused of murdering his girlfriend.

Orville Fleming was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend and former escort Sarah Douglas earlier this year after they say he led them on a manhunt for several weeks.

During the search for Fleming, allegations arose of firefighters having sex with prostitutes at the Ione Fire Academy. That prompted a California Highway Patrol investigation into a possible sex tape that never materialized.

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But the investigation did uncover details leading to 16 firefighters being suspended with pay. Most of them are instructors at the academy, along with some recruits.

Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant would not say what the violations are, but said they are not tied to sex.

"The initial findings that we've been given are completely unrelated," he said.

The CHP report is expected to be released in January.

The decision to place the firefighters on leave for an unknown violation follows the twisted murder case against Fleming. Deputies say he and Douglas met through an escort website.

It was Fleming's estranged wife who told investigators and media that firefighters had sex with prostitutes at the academy and that she saw video of Douglas having sex with firefighters there.

Those allegations prompted Cal Fire to request the CHP investigation, which did not reveal a sex tape.

What also hasn't been revealed is why the 16 firefighters have been suspended.

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