Virginia Beach police officer charged with sexual assault while on duty – The Virginian-Pilot

A Virginia Beach police officer was indicted by a grand jury on Monday on three felony counts stemming from a sexual assault he allegedly committed while on duty last month.

On June 14, the Virginia Beach Police Department received a complaint about the actions of Sean A. Fearon, who has been with the police since 2022. According to a press release, Fearon was acting “in his official capacity as a sworn police officer” at the time of the alleged assault.

He is accused of sexual abuse, kidnapping and destruction of evidence. Further details about his crimes were not disclosed as of Monday evening.

According to the ministry, Fearon’s police powers were suspended and he was placed on leave.

After receiving the complaint, the Detective Bureau initiated an investigation and forwarded its findings to the Chesapeake Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, which then convened the grand jury.

Police Chief Paul Neudigate said Fearon’s actions were “out of step with the 800 sworn officers who protect and serve the city of Virginia Beach with honor and distinction every day.”

“The Virginia Beach Police Department is as appalled as our community that one of our own has been accused of criminal conduct stemming from an on-duty interaction with a member of our community,” Neudigate said in a press release. “Such conduct is contrary to the values ​​and standards we uphold as a department and profession, and if true, it must be held accountable.”

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, [email protected]

Originally published: July 15, 2024 at 18:24