A US cop investigating a 15-year-old girl's sexual assault has been accused of fondling her breasts and genitals.
Rodney Vicknair, 53, allegedly started texting the girl and visiting her at her home while off-duty.
The New Orleans officer was investigating an assault by someone else when he reportedly told her how attractive she was and how much she aroused him.
He was arrested and charged with sexual battery, indecent behaviour with a juvenile and malfeasance in office last Friday, the NY Post reports.
A police spokesman said Vicknair was taken into custody without incident at his St. Tammany Parish home and suspended from his job pending the outcome of the criminal charges.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said: “Allegations against one of our own involving a juvenile is reprehensible.
“Upon learning of the situation, the NOPD took swift action against the accused officer.
"New Orleans police officers are held to a higher standard. We will not tolerate behaviour that compromises the public trust or violates the law.”
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The statement added an investigation into Vicknair was launched after the department’s Public Integrity Bureau received a tip that he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a minor.
He spent 19 years working as an emergency medical technician before joining New Orleans police, according to the department’s website.
Vicknair faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of sexual battery.
He was assigned to the department’s 1st District at the time of his arrest, NOLA.com reports.
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