California prosecutor investigated over alleged racially-charged social media posts about Maxine Waters

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A California prosecutor is under investigation for allegedly making offensive remarks about Maxine Waters, Michelle Obama and Mexican immigrants on social media.

Michael Selyem, the deputy district attorney in San Bernandino, California, has been placed on an administrative leave while the investigation takes place, San Bernandino District Attorney Michael Ramos said in a statement.

Mr Ramos added that the county’s office does not “condone hate, discrimination or incitement of violence".

The San Bernardino Sun reported that Mr Seylem had allegedly made the offensive remarks on both Instagram and Facebook. The newspaper shared screenshots of a Facebook post featuring Mr Seylem’s now-deleted account.

“Being a loud-mouthed [c***] in the ghetto you would think someone would have shot this b**** by now …” the comment read.

According to the Sun, the 50-year-old prosecutor has served as a lead attorney in undertaking the crackdown of criminal gang activity in Los Angeles County.

The newspaper also shared a screenshot of a Brietbart article shared on social media reporting on a “pro-immigration Super Bowl ad”.

Mr Seylem allegedly responded to the post writing: “I am all for white males immigrating here legally and starting a business. It is the terrorist a–holes sneaking in here wanting to kill me an (sic) my family that I am opposed to.”

The comment continued: “I cannot believe how shallow Democrats are. They must really think people are stupid. I guess that is evident because they actually thought Hilary (sic) Clinton could win a presidential election… TWICE!!! LMFAO!!!”

One of Mr Seylem’s posts allegedly featured the words “Mexican word of the day: Hide”, the Sun reported. Another reportedly featured Ms Obama in a doctored picture with a sign reading: “Trump grabbed my penis.”

Mr Ramos said in his statement that Mr Seylem’s administrative leave is pending the conclusion of the investigation which could result in disciplinary action and lead to termination.

According to The Los Angeles Times, Mr Ramos told reporters he was offended by the comments in the social media posts during a press conference earlier this month.

Mr Ramos also reportedly informed reporters that an assistant district attorney will be reviewing the cases Mr Seylem has handled – though he reportedly added there was no indication of bias in his cases.

“But that’s not to say we won’t review them, especially if there’s a request to do so,” he said.

An email message and phone call from the Associated Press to Mr Seylem was not returned.