Former Clearwater police officer Nicolas Paloma has been fired after being accused of engaging in sexual acts with a woman in exchange for not issuing a jaywalking citation. Paloma was charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment following the incident, according to police.
The alleged incident occurred when Paloma stopped a 32-year-old woman for jaywalking over the weekend. Police state that Paloma offered the woman a ride to her hotel and suggested that she could avoid charges by engaging in sexual acts with him. He then turned off his tracker and drove around various locations on Clearwater Beach for approximately 30 minutes.
During this time, Paloma allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the woman before dropping her off down the street from her hotel. The incident came to light when officers responded to a dispute between the victim and her friend at the hotel. Chief Eric Gandy was immediately contacted, and he ordered a criminal investigation.
Detectives from the Crimes Against Children and Families unit took over the case and worked diligently throughout Sunday and Monday. As a result, Paloma now faces two felony charges of false imprisonment and sexual battery.
Chief Gandy expressed his condemnation of Paloma’s actions, stating, “What this officer did is reprehensible. He’s someone who took an oath to enforce the law, not break the law in an egregious way while wearing a badge and a uniform.”
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to this case or any similar incidents is urged to contact the authorities at 727-562-4385.
