LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating allegations by a deputy who says she was the victim of sexual coercion by three current and former officials.

The Los Angeles Times reports (http://lat.ms/RLiNgC ) the subjects of the criminal probe are Capt. Joseph Stephen of the Malibu station, retired Chief Ronnie Williams and retired Capt. Anthony Ward.

Stephen acknowledged to the Times that he had been questioned by investigators Friday. He and Williams denied any wrongdoing. Ward could not be reached for comment.

The newspaper says the allegations were made by a female deputy who is on leave, without pay, because of unrelated felony vandalism and misdemeanor battery charges. The Times declined to print her name.

Stephen accused her of trying to deflect attention from her own legal troubles.

Sheriff's officials say the probe is in the preliminary phase.