CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Clearwater police officer was arrested on Tuesday for sexually battering a female tourist while on duty over the weekend at Clearwater Beach, according to Police Chief Eric Gandy.
Gandy said Officer Nicolas Paloma was approaching the Clearwater Beach roundabout just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday when he saw a 32-year-old woman crossing the road. Paloma then activated his vehicle's emergency lights and conducted a pedestrian stop.
According to the police department, the officer told the woman she was jaywalking and instructed her to get in the passenger seat of his gray unmarked police vehicle.
That's when Paloma told the woman she could get a ride to her hotel and clear her charges by "doing things for him," Gandy said.
Paloma allegedly drove around for about 30 minutes in search of a "secluded area" and sexually battered the woman in his patrol car.
"What this officer did is reprehensible," Gandy said. "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."
Gandy also said he was "exceptionally upset" that Paloma's actions betrayed the trust between the community and the Clearwater Police Department.
"The level of confidence people have in our officers – it’s exceptionally damaging to our reputation and the reputation of everyone is law enforcement. It erodes the confidence in our profession," the chief said. "I know how hard we struggle to maintain trust, so for me, having to come here today was infuriating."
Paloma, who has worked for the department since 2018, was placed on administrative leave and is currently in jail. He is facing felony charges of sexual battery and false imprisonment.
Investigators are searching for anyone who has more information about this case or potentially other cases involving Officer Paloma. Anyone with information should contact Clearwater police at 727-562-4385.
Gandy said he reached out to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for support, but the Clearwater Police Department is currently the only agency investigating.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.