VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A Virginia Beach police officer is facing multiple charges from an on-duty incident, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) said.
Sean A. Fearon is charged with felony object sexual penetration, felony abduction, and felony destruction of evidence.
The VBPD received a complaint of criminal conduct involving Fearon from his interaction with the victim on June 14. Fearon was on duty at the time of the alleged incident.
The VBPD Detective Bureau began an investigation and presented their findings to the Chesapeake's Office of Commonwealth's Attorney, who convened a grand jury. The grand jury indicted Fearon on all the charges.
According to police, Fearon has been suspended and is currently on administrative leave. He has been employed by the VBPD since 2022.
“The Virginia Beach Police Department is equally as appalled as our community that one of our own faces allegations of criminal conduct arising from an on-duty interaction with a member of our public,” Police Chief Paul Neudigate said in a statement. “Such conduct is contrary to the values and standards we uphold as a department and a profession, and if true, there must be accountability. I just ask for the community’s support, as the actions of one individual is not reflective of the 800 sworn officers who protect and serve the City of Virginia Beach with honor and distinction every day.”
For now, it remains unclear whether or not this was an isolated incident as Virginia Beach Police said the case is an ongoing investigation.
Sexual violence advocates with Samaritan House said while they could not comment directly on this case, it is often hard for victims to come forward, especially if the accused is in a position of authority.
"Depending on who the authority figure is, it is completely normal and OK for them to have a firearm, it is completely normal and OK to be able to discuss private things or know where certain things are located because of their job and that is terrifying," said Meredith Williams, Samaritan House.
A spokesman with Virginia Beach Police said in a statement, "VBPD encourages anyone who is a victim of an unwanted sexual encounter by anyone to report it so we can investigate."
For those who would like to file a report, you can always call 911 or go directly to Virginia Beach Police's website.
VBPD did not release specific details about the alleged incident and charges Fearon faced due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.