Paul Bryant confessed to Polk Co. deputies he paid prostitutes for sex while on duty, deputies say

POLK COUNTY, Fla - A three-month joint investigation by the Winter Haven Police Department and Polk County Sheriff's Office ended Wednesday with a Winter Haven police officer confessing to having sex with prostitutes while on duty, police said.

In September, a confidential source told Winter Have police that Paul Bryant IV, 30, was having sexual relations with a prostitute while on duty as a Winter Haven Police Officer.

According to deputies, Bryant made several admissions Wednesday night and confessed to detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office that he paid or agreed to pay prostitutes for oral sex while on duty during the past year.

One encounter with a female resulted in Bryant being charged with false imprisonment when he entered a residence to meet with a known female prostitute, deputies said.

Deputies said the female Bryant encountered was not the person he was looking for, but he repeatedly attempted to solicit sex anyway.  Bryant stayed inside of the residence for more than an hour and grabbed the woman in an aggressive manner before letting her go.

He is also facing solicitation charges.

"I am extremely disappointed with Paul Bryant and his criminal actions that have resulted in his arrest," said Chief of Police Gary Hester.  "His (Bryant's) criminal behavior and arrogance to think that the laws do not apply to him is a disgrace. The members of the Winter Haven Police Department are dedicated to upholding the law and serving the citizens of Winter Haven and we will not tolerate this type of criminal behavior."

Bryant has resigned from the Winter Haven Police Department.  Bryant was hired by the Winter Haven Police Department in September, 2009.