Cop arrested after ‘trying to force a woman to perform a sex act on him’ after he responded to a domestic disturbance
A Florida police officer, James Matthew Bush, 33, was arrested on charges of sexual battery and robbery after allegedly attempting to sexually assault a woman during a domestic violence call, West Palm Beach police announced on Sunday.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on July 12, when police responded to a report of a man throwing his girlfriend out of an apartment, CBS 12 reported. Upon arrival, Bush advised the man to leave and file for eviction in court. He then repeatedly told the woman to "go upstairs and have some fun," to which she responded, "OK...to talk?"
According to an arrest affidavit, once upstairs, Bush grabbed the woman's arm and led her to a bedroom. Fearing for her safety, she sat on the bed and offered him a kiss, thinking it might prevent him from raping her. When she tried to escape by saying she needed to brush her teeth, Bush watched her and then guided her back to the bedroom.
Bush allegedly attempted to coerce the woman into performing a sex act, telling her, "I want this," and offering her $2,000, saying, "I can get you out of this whole thing." The woman refused, stating she was not a prostitute.
After Bush left, the woman informed her boyfriend about the incident, but he ignored her and attempted to evict her. Hours later, the boyfriend called the police again. Another officer, along with Bush, responded to the scene. The woman reported the incident to the other officer, but Bush claimed she was lying.
The victim provided video evidence of the encounter from her phone, which the unnamed officer watched but did not intervene. Other investigators later reviewed the footage and spoke to Bush, who admitted to some of the crimes, according to police.
“When someone abuses their position of authority to commit a crime, we have an obligation to swiftly act in the best interest of the community we serve and hold those responsible who breach the public trust,” said Chief Frank Adderley. “On behalf of the men and women who are dedicated to serve and protect, this is not reflective of the West Palm Beach Police Department. We have zero tolerance for misconduct and abuse of power and will hold those accountable who violate their oath.”
Bush is being held on a $2 million bond and is expected back in court on July 25. It is unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
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