WASHINGTON — (WMAL) A suspended Police Officer First Class James Sims was indicted by a grand jury today.
The Prince George’s County Police Officer faces two counts of misconduct in office and four counts of visual surveillance with prurient intent, with additional charges that are possible.
Sims is accused of taking inappropriate pictures of women both on-duty during traffic stops and while off-duty. The investigation into Sims is ongoing currently.
On June 1, 2016, a citizen filed a complaint against Sims alleging that the police officer took inappropriate photos of her at a store.
The Internal Affairs Division immediately opened an investigation looking into the officer and the allegations.
POFC Sims’ police powers were also suspended on June 1, 2016.
The State’s Attorney’s Office was immediately notified that day as well.
The investigation has revealed Sims took inappropriate photos of female drivers with his phone on at least two traffics stop in the past year.
Police Chief Hank Stawinski stated at a press conference following the indictment, “Immediately upon being made aware of this I did three things: I suspended that officer, I launched an internal investigation, and I contacted the State’s Attorney’s office.
Due to the nature of the complaint and the allegations, I felt that criminal charges would be likely. That was proven true today.”
Copyright 2016 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: Prince George County Police Department)
