A former Draper police lieutenant who retired in March after an investigation was launched into a “possible policy violation” has been charged with sexually abusing a female coworker.
Chad Carpenter, who worked for years as the department’s public information officer, has been charged with two second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse, according to charges filed Tuesday in 3rd District Court.
The charges allege that on Jan. 31, Carpenter called a female detective who was recovering from complications after breast reduction surgery into his office. Carpenter asked her how she was doing and walked over to her.
He then allegedly pulled at her shirt and said, “Well, let me see," according to court documents. Carpenter then allegedly told her to “shut the door, silly," before lifting her shirt and bra and squeezing her breasts.
The woman told police she left the office in tears. She said Carpenter came by her desk two weeks later and told her, “You know I love you, right?” He also allegedly told her they had a special relationship.
According to charging documents, the woman told police investigating Carpenter that she was anxious and stressed every time she saw Carpenter or someone mentioned him.
Carpenter, 48, was placed on administrative leave March 13, as Unified police launched an investigation into unspecified “possible policy violations." He announced his retirement March 21. He’d been at the department since 2003, city spokeswoman Maridene Alexander said.
Alexander said the woman filed a sexual harassment complaint against Carpenter on March 13, prompting the investigation. She said no other potential victims have come forward.
UPD spokeswoman Sgt. Melody Gray said the department has concluded its investigation.
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