Atlanta Police Department is going on the record about allegations that one of their officers demanded sex from a Georgia Tech student who asked for help getting a ride back to campus.
FOX 5's Morse Diggs first broke the story on Tuesday. Typically, Atlanta police commanders will not speak out about a case related to officer conduct while it's in process. However, they're saying that in this case, it's extremely sensitive and they're aware it carries some extremely negative perceptions.
The Georgia Tech campus is buzzing about an encounter between the officer and the student who sought his help. The student realized he had too much to drink, and asked the Zone Two Buckhead officer to drive him back to campus. But sources say the officer wanted and had a sexual encounter in exchange for providing that ride home.
"If these allegations are true, it is intolerable conduct, unprofessional conduct, conduct that would not be tolerated within the Atlanta Police Department," said APD Maj. D. Tolleson, adding that there is currently both a criminal investigation and an administrative investigation underway.
Barry Martin, the director of MADD, says the incident raises serious concerns.
"This young man made the right decision, and it's our hope that this incident doesn't shake the public's confidence in law enforcement-- that they're there to help in these situations," Martin said.
The Concerned Black Clergy also saw the original story on FOX 5, and the organization's president placed a call to the police chief. Rev. Frank Brown says he can't understand why the officer wasn't sent home until the investigation is completed.
Sources tell FOX 5 that police do have evidence of the crime beyond the student's word, but they're not at liberty to publicly discuss that evidence yet.
A former Atlanta police officer has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after prosecutors say he conspired to accept bribes and lied to FBI agents.
A former Atlanta police officer has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after prosecutors say he conspired to accept bribes and lied to FBI agents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:16 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:16:11 GMT
Music Midtown announced its 2013 lineup on Tuesday.
Music Midtown announced its 2013 lineup on Tuesday. The music festival, which is being held Sept. 20 and 21 at Piedmont Park, will include Journey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age, 2 Chainz and Jane's Addiction.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:46:32 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate cancellations and delays on the Long Island Rail Road for the Tuesday evening rush. The railroad has canceled 21 trains that normally leave Penn Station between 3:27 and 7:01 p.m.
Riders should anticipate cancellations and delays on the Long Island Rail Road for the Tuesday evening rush. The railroad has canceled 21 trains that normally leave Penn Station between 3:27 and 7:01 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:32 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:32:12 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:05:09 GMT
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Police are looking for a man who stabbed another man in Times Square Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.The victim was stabbed in the chest, the NYPD and FDNY said.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:18 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:18:24 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:04 GMT
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including one directed at the New York Stock Exchange.
