Whether you are a fan of them or not, police officers serve a valid purpose in society. They not only help arrest criminals and prevent crimes from even being committed, but they should also instill a sense of peace into the hearts of the average citizen.

What happens when the ones we are supposed to be able to trust to keep us safe end up being the ones that hurt us?

Such a situation happened a year ago, when a Mesa police officer was placed on administrative leave after it was reported that he sexually assaulted 2 women and molested a child who were under his watch. According to authorities, the assaults took place during searches while the individuals were detained.

During the year since his administrative leave, investigators have been looking into his case and gathering evidence. A grand jury indicted him for the charges just this past Thursday.

He turned himself in to Mesa police and was taken into custody. According to County Attorney Bill Montgomery, “the alleged conduct of this defendant is not representative of the high degree of professionalism and integrity with which the Mesa Police Department carries out its duties.” Montgomery went on to talk about his office’s role in the prosecution of the police officer, saying they “will not hesitate to prosecute sworn peace officers when sufficient evidence exists to support charges of criminal conduct. Those we entrust with enforcing the law will be equally held to account when they violate it.”

Source: http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2014/08/01/mesa-officer-indicted-sexual-assault-molestation-charges/13501041/