Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano issued the following statement on July 20 regarding the indictment of former Fairfax County Police Officer John Grimes for engaging in sexual misconduct with a minor in the Fairfax County Police Public Safety Cadet Program:
“Between the dates of Nov. 12, 2019 and Dec. 16, 2019 former Fairfax County Police Officer John Grimes is alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor in the Fairfax County Police Public Safety Cadet Program over whom he maintained a supervisory relationship.
Upon reviewing the investigation into this matter, I determined that it was appropriate to charge Mr. Grimes with three counts of custodial indecent liberties and a grand jury agreed. Today I am therefore announcing the indictment of John Grimes on these charges.
Crimes in which young people in our community are taken advantage of by those in positions of authority within the criminal justice system are particularly egregious and threaten our community’s confidence in the system. I will therefore always act to hold those responsible for such heinous crimes accountable. I am hopeful that this indictment will serve as a first step toward justice in this case.”
FCPD was notified of the officer’s criminal misconduct on Dec. 13, 2019. The Internal Affairs Bureau immediately acted and relieved the officer of duty, stripping him of all police powers. Major Crimes Bureau initiated the criminal investigation.
“Trust is the cornerstone of any Police Department. I have no tolerance for police officers who abuse that sacred trust,” Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said. “This former police officer allegedly took advantage of a teenager, and he did so in and out of a police uniform — a uniform meant to symbolize public safety.”