Former RPD officer engaged in sex crimes while on duty after traffic stop, warrants reveal

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The former Raleigh Police officer who was arrested and charged with sex crimes late last week appeared before a Wake County judge Monday afternoon. Tremale Cogdale, 28, is facing up to 88 months in prison if found guilty of the charges he is facing.

Friday, Cogdell was terminated from the Raleigh Police Department after he allegedly engaged in sex acts while on duty following a traffic stop. According to warrants obtained by ABC11, he should have cited and arrested a woman for DWI during a September 12 traffic stop where she hit a parked car. Instead, the warrant alleges that the now former officer Cogdell took the woman back to his apartment and engaged in sexual activity.

According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the lead agency in the case, they worked on the details they were provided after the woman came forward. RPD has said their internal affairs unit is investigating as well.

Wake County District Attorney, Lorin Freeman, said her office would potentially look at additional cases brought forth by Cogdell if he acted individually and if there were others he allegedly victimized.

"It has been very devastating for her. She's been very traumatized in this process. But we do commend her. She's a strong young woman and we believe she's stopped a sexual predator," said attorney Stacy Miller, who is representing the victim in this case.

Miller credits the woman's family and friends for her willingness to come forward with allegations against Cogdell.

"She has a tremendous support group, which is always important. And we've met with her. We met with her support group," said Miller. "And so she's very fortunate to have a lot of people around her that love and care a lot about her."

According to the State Bureau of Investigation, at this time it is not believed there are other persons who may have had inappropriate encounters with Ofc. Cogdell. However, they do encourage anyone to come forward if they have concerns.

Miller, on the other hand, believes his client is not the only victim.

"That's what we're investigating," added Miller. "We've been contacted by others. And so we're in the process of investigating those claims for those individuals. This has been very devastating. A young woman taken advantage by somebody who's a predator with a badge. It's not that much more scarier than that. She was wanting to try to stand up and to protect others that could could be victims as well."

During a Friday press conference, Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said, "The actions that led to Mr. Cogdell's arrest reflect poorly on the Raleigh Police Department and cast a shadow on the integrity that we worked so hard to uphold. This is a reminder that no one is above accountability. Not even those who wear the badge. But I want to be clear. This arrest does not define who we are."

Cogdell is due back in court on October 27.