April Thompson

3:01 p.m. CDT, August 23, 2010
  • april.thompson@wreg.com
  • Memphis Police Officer charged with sexual battery
  • 42 year old woman says Officer Michael Kearney asked her for sex in exchange for dropping a traffic citation
  • Woman says officer also fondled her
    • (memphis 8/23/2010) - Michael Kearney, a two year Memphis police officer, charged with something that has put his law enforcement career in jeopardy. Officer Kearney is facing sexual battery and official misconduct after a traffic stop along Danny Thomas near Weakley. "You say you are innocent? Yes ma'am," Kearney told us as he left court Monday. A 42 year old woman says Kearney pulled her over and was giving her a citation for driving without a license. But she says as she sat in the back of his squad car, Kearney asked her for sex in exchange for dropping the misdemeanor citation. She says he then went on to touch her in her private area. Kearney is also accused of soliciting the woman for sex after work. As Officer Kearney left court Monday, we asked him one on one about the charges. "It will all come out in court. You didn't know her? No. She didn't get in your police car? No comment," said Kearney. His 42 year old victim was overcome with emotion as she spoke from behind closed doors to News Chanel 3's Stephanie Scurlock over the weekend. "Can you tell us if you felt threatened by him? Yes. I don't want to talk about that right now, " she said. As the investigation continues, Michael Kearney is off duty with pay, still maintaining his innocence in a job were he is sworn to serve and protect. "How are you doing? I am blessed. How you feel about your job now? Do you look forward to being vindicated? Oh yes! I love my job," said Kearney. News Channel 3 has also requested to view Officer Kearney's personnel file to learn more about his work with Memphis Police. We are still awaiting access to that. Meanwhile Michael Kearney remains out of jail and will be back in court September 13th.
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