(DailyChive.com) – A Miami-Dade police officer, who initially faced life imprisonment on charges of armed sexual battery, kidnapping, and armed burglary, had the case against him abruptly dropped after his ex-girlfriend recanted her testimony. The officer, who remains unnamed due to his accuser’s anonymity, was arrested last month. However, they dismissed the charges as he appeared in court for his arraignment on Friday, January 19.
The officer’s attorney, Edward Tapanes, expressed gratitude for the decision. Additionally, Tapanes reported that the charges were based on the accuser’s refusal to provide a statement. She claimed that their interaction might have been misunderstood as role-playing due to the absence of a prearranged “safe word.”
The arrest warrant outlined a verbal dispute at a Buffalo Wild Wings, escalating to the accused officer waiting for the accuser at her home in his marked police car, still in uniform and armed. The accuser alleged physical assault, forced entry, and sexual assault, prompting her to ask her 12-year-old son to call 911.
During a controlled phone call, the accused admitted to his actions, emphasizing the absence of the “safe word” and suggesting a history of problem resolution through consensual sex. Moreover, the accuser later sent texts expressing love and remorse, creating a rather complex narrative.
Police attempted to obtain a formal statement from the woman, but she refused, citing concerns about ruining the accused’s career. Texts revealed the accuser’s evolving stance, including admissions of confusion and reconsideration. The accused officer, interviewed for three hours, described a toxic relationship but asserted the encounter was consensual and occurred during a brief breakup.
Ultimately, the State Attorney’s Office opted not to pursue charges, citing the compromised ability to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The disposition memo highlighted the victim’s recanted testimony and the defendant’s claim of consensual encounters.
The accused officer remains on paid leave, and inquiries into his employment status with the Miami-Dade Police Department are pending. The State Attorney’s Office did not disclose potential charges against the accuser, while the officer’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
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