CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater Police Department (CPD) said an officer has been placed on administrative leave and was arrested on charges of sexual battery and false imprisonment.
In a news conference, Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy said on Sunday morning, Officer Nicolas Paloma conducted a pedestrian stop at the Clearwater Beach roundabout. The victim got into his vehicle, and he told her he would take her to her hotel.
Paloma told the victim she could "take care of her charges by doing things for him."
According to Chief Gandy, Paloma drove the victim around Clearwater Beach and engaged in sexual acts with her before dropping her off at her hotel.
CPD said Paloma has been working for the agency since 2018.
"It erodes the confidence in our profession, and on a personal level, I know how hard we struggle to maintain trust. So for me, having to come here today is infuriating because I have to have this conversation, but it's an important conversation to have." Gandy said.
Police believe there may be more victims. The investigation is ongoing.
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