A Winter Haven police officer was arrested Wednesday for allegedly having sexual relations with a prostitute while on duty.
Paul Bryant IV, 30, is being charged with false imprisonment and two counts purchase services of a prostitute after authorities said a confidential source approached a Winter Haven Police officer with the information in September.
The investigation was a joint effort between Winter Haven Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff's Office which took place for three months before the arrest was made.
Bryant confessed to detectives that he paid prostitutes for oral sex while on duty during the past year, detectives said.
According to detectives, one encounter with a female resulted in Bryant being charged with false imprisonment when he entered a residence to meet with a known female prostitute. The female he encountered was not the person he was looking for, but he repeatedly attempted to solicit sex. Bryant stayed inside of the residence for more than an hour at one point grabbing her in an aggressive manner, eventually letting her go.
Paul Bryant has resigned from the Winter Haven Police Department.
Bryant was hired by the Winter Haven Police Department in 2009.
"I am extremely disappointed with Paul Bryant and his criminal actions that have resulted in his arrest," said Chief of Police Gary Hester. "His criminal behavior and arrogance to think that the laws do not apply to him is a disgrace. The members of the Winter Haven Police Department are dedicated to upholding the law and serving the citizens of Winter Haven and we will not tolerate this type of criminal behavior."
Source:Bay News 9