Ft. Lauderdale Police Officer Charged In Sexual Battery Case

September 4, 2009
By Musca Law on September 4, 2009 9:46 AM |

lauderdale police.jpgThe State is investigating a former Ft. Lauderdale Police Officer for alleged sexual battery against, prostitutes. He is accused of forcing prostitutes to perform sexual acts on him while he was on duty, in uniform and driving a patrol car. On at least one occasion he allegedly held a prostitute at gun point and threatened arrest if the women did not comply.

Ft. Lauderdale Police fired the former officer, 26-year old Gerome Steven Wright, after a year on the force for failing to perform while on new hire probation. He is cited for failing to complete reports, driving out of assigned jurisdiction while on duty, lacking knowledge of the law and sleeping on the job.

Three prostitutes have come forward with allegations: 30-year old Lauren Kalb, 37-year old Francis Harris and 45-year old Rhonda Fancois. The State has issued a Probable Cause Affidavit and charges of armed sexual battery may be pending against Wright. No official charges have yet been filed.

In June of 2006, Wright applied for employment with the Broward County Sheriff's Office. He allegedly showed deception for committing sex acts which could be considered illegal. He also admitted during a polygraph that he regularly stole from his then employer. The Broward County Sheriff's Office did not hire Wright because he was considered a substandard candidate for employment. It is unknown how he came to be a Ft. Lauderdale Police Officer.

 

The charge of sexual battery with a firearm is a very serious first degree felony crime. If convicted, the offender faces could face 25 years in prison. Prosecutors may have a difficult time sealing a conviction because the alleged victims are prostitutes with known criminal histories. It is understood that anyone can become a victim of sexual violence, but their testimony may not be deemed credible.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual offense, contact a sex crime lawyer to dissect the charges against you. I understand that there is more than one side to the story. It is unfortunate, but the alleged victims may have a score to settle with this cop that arrested them at one time. Do not let the charges define the result of your case. Experience does make a difference. Contact Musca Law for an evaluation of your case today.