A police officer was arrested on a charge of misconduct after allegedly
taking upskirt photos of women during traffic stops, according to police
in Maryland said.
Prince George’s County police said that the suspended officer was indicted by a grand jury.
Police Officer First Class James Sims faces two counts of misconduct in
office and four counts of visual surveillance with prurient intent.
He is accused of taking inappropriate pictures of women while on-duty
during traffic stops, and while off-duty. The investigation into Sims
is ongoing, and additional charges are possible.
Last month, a police officer filed a complaint against Sims, alleging
that the officer took inappropriate photos of her at a store in Bowie.
The Internal Affairs Division immediately opened an investigation into the officer. Sims’ police powers were suspended.
The investigation has revealed Sims took inappropriate photos of female
drivers with his phone during at least two traffics stop in the past
year.
Police Chief Hank Stawinski issued this statement following the grand
jury indictment: “We immediately took this case to the State Attorney’s
Office in anticipation of criminal charges being placed against Sims. I
find the conduct alleged to be disgusting. Policing is an honorable
profession. One of service. One built on trust.”
Sims joined the police department 6 years ago. Anyone who has additional
information on this investigation or this officer is asked to call the
Internal Affairs.