34°
James Thomas Clinton, 28, was placed on administrative leave after being connected to two instances of assault in the past four months, PWCPD Lt. Jonathan Perok said in a news release. It was not immediately clear if the incident involved the same victim.
Clinton, who has been an officer for six years, was charged on Thursday, Sept. 26 following a three-day investigation that was launched earlier in the week by the Prince William County Police Department.
According to investigators, the probe into Clinton's actions determined that on at least two separate occasions, he had inappropriate contact while on-duty with a woman, and the two were known to each other.
The initial incident was reported in early June in Potomac Mills, where the woman was employed.
During that encounter, police say that Clinton was speaking with her when he allegedly forcibly handcuffed her, though she was never being detained or otherwise arrested for a criminal violation.
The second instance, which led to the investigation, and subsequent arrest of Clinton happened on Sunday, Sept. 22 in Turley Park in Dale City, where the two had agreed to meet.
During that incident, it is alleged that Clinton forcibly held the victim against her will while the two were involved in a verbal altercation outside of their vehicles, made multiple threats and inappropriately touched her before grabbing her around the neck.
The two then separated, and the incident was reported to the police the following day, on Monday, Sept. 23, resulting in the investigation.
"Once the allegations were brought to the attention of police, the accused was relieved of his police authority, and both an administrative and criminal investigation into the matters were launched by the Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and Criminal Investigations Division," officials stated.
The officer from Woodbridge was charged with two counts of abduction, sexual battery, as well as assault and battery. He is being held without bond pending his court appearance on Friday, Nov. 13.
"This type of behavior is reprehensible and does not represent the values and professionalism of the members of this agency," Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham said in a statement.
“I commend our Criminal Investigations Division for acting quickly and effectively in bringing charges to ensure that he is held accountable."
This is a developing story. Check Daily Voice for updates.
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Lorton and receive free news updates.
