Lake Wales police, with the assistance of Polk County Sheriff’s deputies, arrested a Lake Wales police sergeant on charges of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl Tuesday night.
The 37-year-old man has been charged with four counts of sexual activity with certain minors and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was booked into the Polk County Jail and later released on a $20,500 bond.
An investigation started mid-morning on Tuesday after police apparently received a tip that the man was involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor.
The female involved allegedly told investigators she and the man began a relationship about a year ago and had sex multiple times.
The sergeant, who has been with the department since May 2009, has been placed on paid administrative leave.
If you have been arrested in Polk County for sexual activity with certain minors, you must act fast and retain the services of a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton. This crime is more commonly referred to as statutory rape, and Florida law states that a person age 24 or older who engages in sexual activity with a person age 16 or 17 commits a felony of the second degree.
A criminal conviction for statutory rape could result in up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Perhaps the most severe consequence of a conviction is the possibility of lifetime registration as a sexual offender. If you have been arrested, or are under investigation for having sex with a minor, please call a Florida Sex Crimes Lawyer at Whittel & Melton right away at 866-608-5529. We will review all aspects of your case and work hard to get you the best possible result. Do not delay, your initial consultation with us is free.