Fairfax County Officer
Accused of Sexual Misconduct With Police Cadet
Former officer John Grimes could face up to 15 years in prison and
have to register as a sex offender
By Cory Smith and Ana Álvarez Bríñez • Published July 20, 2021 • Updated on July 20, 2021 at 5:57 pm
A former Fairfax County police officer was
indicted Monday for alleged sexual misconduct with an underage police cadet in
2019.
John Grimes was charged with three counts of
custodial indecent liberties, the police department and prosecutors announced
Tuesday.
The department says it learned in December 2019
of alleged misconduct against a 16-year-old girl who was a member of the
Fairfax County Police Public Safety Cadet Program that November and December.
The department said it immediately stripped Grimes of his police powers.
“I have no pity for Grimes. He took advantage of
a teenager, and he did so in and out of a Fairfax County police uniform,”
Police Chief Kevin Davis said at a news conference. "This uniform will
always be a symbol of trust."
The cadet program is designed for youth age 14
to 21 who are interested in careers in law enforcement. The alleged misconduct
is a stain on an otherwise strong program, officials said.
Prosecutors say the misconduct began when Grimes
took the teen on ride-alongs. Fairfax County police were tipped off by the FBI
after Grimes applied to become a special agent and underwent background
checks.
The chief and Steve Descano, commonwealth's
attorney for the county, both spoke about their own daughters.
“Crimes of a sexual nature against minors are
some of the most heinous crimes, and whenever we see these crimes, I can’t help
but think of my daughter and how painful it would be if she were a victim of
these types of crimes,” Descano said. “My heart does go out to the victim and
her family.”
Grimes was with the department for more than
three years. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years of prison and would have to
register as a sex offender, Descano said.
It wasn't immediately clear if Grimes had a
lawyer.