Police Officer Accused Of Groping 16-Year-Old Girl

A Daytona Beach police officer is accused of groping a 16-year-old girl. Channel 9 has learned this is not the first time this officer has been accused of this type of behavior.

Email News Sign-Up Multiple Choices - Auto sign-up (RIGHT ALIGN) GET WFTV NEWS HEADLINES BY EMAIL 9 a.m. Headlines Noon Headlines 4 p.m. Headlines News of the Strange Breaking News Alerts Officer Joseph Chirco has been an officer with Daytona Beach for almost a decade. While the latest accusation is shocking to some, to others who know Chirco's history it seems to be part of a pattern.

In the report on the latest alleged incident, Chirco's 16-year-old neighbor said the officer often commented how he'd like to touch her breasts. The alleged victim said Chirco compared her body to his wife's and made her feel uncomfortable.

Then, she said, on March 30 she was leaning into Chirco's squad car talking to him when he reached forward and grabbed her breasts. The girl said Chirco was aware of her age and the groping wasn't an accident.

Eyewitness News checked into Chirco's disciplinary history and found out this isn't the first time he's been accused of unwanted touching.

In 2003, Chirco was accused of inappropriately touching a suspect's breasts during a pat down. The charge was sustained and Chirco was reprimanded. In December 2005, once again Chirco was accused of inappropriately touching a suspect's breasts. That charge was cleared by Internal Affairs.

Both former accusers were adults.

The Daytona Beach Police Department wouldn't comment on the latest accusation from the 16-year-old girl. However, they said that Chirco's past record would be taken into consideration as they continue their internal investigation.

The officer has been charged with misdemeanor battery from the State Attorney's Office. He is on administrative leave until Internal Affairs finishes their investigation.