Grand
Rapids Police Department investigating alleged sexual misconduct of officer
GRAND RAPIDS, MI-- A Grand Rapids police officer has been placed
on administrative leave while the department investigates allegations of sexual
misconduct with a woman of diminished mental capacity.
Police Chief Kevin Belk did not identify the officer at a Friday
afternoon press conference but said he has worked for the department for more
than 20 years.
The alleged situation came to light after a 41-year-old female
had a conversation with a female Grand Rapids police sergeant in mid-March that
gave her reason to be concerned. That sergeant brought her concerns forward and
an investigation into possible misconduct began.
According to Belk, the officer met the woman while on duty, but
the instances of alleged misconduct happened off-duty.
Belk would not elaborate on the nature of the allegations or
what was said during the woman's conversation with the sergeant.
The officer has not been charged with any crime, Belk said,
though he was placed on leave Wednesday and will not return to work pending the
outcome of the investigation.
Belk said he was "shocked and appalled" with the
alleged misconduct.
"It is clearly not acceptable behavior," he said.
"I find this totally inappropriate."
Belk said the situation is "extremely rare" for the
Grand Rapids Police Department.
A report will be forwarded onto the Kent County Prosecutor's
Office once an internal investigation is complete.