A Tampa police officer has been charged with sexual battery.
Officer Adam York, 42, is accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman during a traffic stop in February, according to Police Chief Eric Ward.
York turned himself in to police on Thursday.
According to Ward, York was on his way into work, but was not on duty at the time of the alleged incident.
York initiated a lawful traffic stop because the victim was speeding, Ward said.
The victim alleges the assault took place after she stopped in the area of Kennedy and Westshore. The incident is alleged to have happened during the weekend of Gasparilla.
Chief Ward said an investigation began immediately and evidence was sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on February 8.
Over the course of the investigation York admitted to pulling the victim over, but denied the sexual assault allegations.
He was fired on March 4.
"This investigation is a shock and disappointment to all of us at TPD," said Ward.
York was a 12-year-veteran of the force.
"We hold officers to a very high standard. And those who fail to meet those standards are dealt with seriously."
