If you drive southeast of Fort Myers for about two and a half hours, you’ll come to South Miami, Florida. That is where a former police detective recently pleaded no contest to four misdemeanor charges for which he will have to serve a year of probation and complete 35 hours of community service.
The 48-year-old was originally charged with possession of child pornography, but prosecutors dropped those charges. He recent no contest plea involved the purchase of alcohol for minors.
The former detective told his criminal defense attorney that he would “take the misdemeanor plea and move on.”
According to a report in the Miami Herald, the plea deal brings an end to a three-year investigation in which an underage police cadet accused the former officer of daring her to show him her breasts. He also reportedly tried to kiss her.
He was also accused of kissing an underage girl while consuming beer. His attorney said the former cop “flat-out denies” the accusations, though he did admit that he purchased drinks while he was in the company of the girls.
In the course of the investigation, the former cop’s phone was seized. Officials said they found eight images of “sexual performances by children” on the device. He was charged with eight felony counts of child porn possession.
However, the man’s girlfriend came forward to say the images were of her. Prosecutors eventually dropped the felony counts against the man.
If you face similar allegations, a skilled criminal defense attorney can fight for your rights and freedom.
