Sex And Confidential Info: Officer Indicted On Misconduct Charge

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A Prince George's County police officer was indicted Tuesday on one charge of misconduct. The officer, Ivan Mendez, was suspended in April of 2019, two days after the Prince George's County Police Department heard accusations that he shared confidential information with a sex worker in 2018. He has been suspended ever since.

A state's attorney report says the sensitive information was about an ongoing investigation. A police press release accuses Mendez of paying the prostitute for sexual acts.

"All allegations of criminal misconduct by our officers are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated," Interim Police Chief Hector Velez said in the release. "Officers who break the law have no place in this agency."

Mendez joined the police department in 2009. He worked in the Bureau of Investigation.

"My office has a zero-tolerance policy for corruption by public officials who unlawfully violate public trust," Aisha Braveboy, the county's state's attorney, said in a press release. "There is no excuse for corruption and this case will be treated no differently. Corruption of any kind will not be tolerated in Prince George's County."

Indictments bring charges against a public official. Mendez will now face a trial to determine a verdict.

Police ask anybody with information related to Mendez's case to call (301) 352-1200.

Related:

• County Police Chief Resigns, Lawsuit Claims Racial Slurs Used
• Alsobrooks Names Interim Police Chief, Vows To Fix Department

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