The Durham Police Department has completed an internal administrative investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by members of the department.
During the first week of October 2007, Durham vice officers were told by a female that she had engaged in acts of prostitution with officers from the Durham Police Department.
The department's Special Operations Division immediately started an undercover criminal investigation of the allegations.
A lengthy investigation has yet to substantiate the woman's claims. The department is still awaiting the results of DNA testing before concluding the criminal investigation.
In November, the department's Professional Standards Division (Internal Affairs) initiated an internal administrative investigation into the matter. Investigators interviewed numerous people, including the implicated officers, but none of the allegations made by the woman could be substantiated.
However, it was discovered during the course of the investigations that two officers, Sergeant Keith Cheeks and Officer Demond Gooch, had been involved in misconduct unrelated to the original allegations while employed by the Durham Police Department. Both officers resigned prior to the conclusion of the investigation.
Chief Jose Lopez Sr. stated, "I have full confidence in the integrity of our investigative processes. When those processes uncover conduct unbecoming a Durham police officer it is important that the conduct and the officers be admonished. However, it is equally important to recognize the hard work and integrity of the men and women of the Durham Police Department who serve this community every day. I stand by these dedicated public servants."
No further comments will be made in regards to this matter due to the continuing criminal investigation.
