Orlando cop accused of sexually assaulting woman he arrested

ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando police officer arrested and charged with sexual battery is out of jail Monday night.

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Orlando Police Chief Paul Rooney said a woman told jail staff that Officer Roderick Johnson arrested her several weeks ago, and that while driving her to the jail he took her to another location where they had a sexual encounter.

According to Rooney, an investigation into the charges was launched and the results sent to the State Attorney's Office on Nov. 9.

Rooney said that a warrant for Johnson's arrest was issued Monday, and he was booked into the Orange County Jail.

Johnson is charged with sexual battery by a law enforcement officer, which is a first-degree felony, Rooney said.

Rooney said Johnson has been with the department for 20 years and has been relieved of duty with pay.

Rooney would not say where or when the encounter happened, nor would he say why the woman was being taken to jail.

He did say that the alleged encounter did not happen in the officer's vehicle.

Johnson's longtime friend, Ellis Daniley, said Johnson has dealt with the woman before, and thinks it's a false accusation.

"I think she's just looking to try and seek some investments, something like that, to come up with this bogus lie," said Daniley.

Johnson has been in trouble before. Three years ago he was disciplined for losing a department computer, and for trashing an apartment after he was evicted.

Johnson also pleaded guilty to slapping a teenager he had arrested.

A recent WFTV investigation caught Johnson traveling more than 100 mph on S.R. 408.

Johnson posted bond and was released from the jail just before 7:30 p.m. He was escorted from the building by a large number of jail staff.

A spokesperson with the jail told WFTV it is unusual to have seven corrections officers guarding an officer, unless there's a safety threat.

WFTV