Cop Charged in Molestation Case

BARTOW, FL – A 27-year-old Bartow Police Officer is behind bars after Polk County Sheriff’s deputies say he admitted to having a physical relationship with a 15-year-old girl.

The alleged encounter between Randy Velez and the teen reportedly occurred in late August. Velez’s wife, Eloisa, an arrest report stated, noticed at that time Randy wasn’t acting like himself. Randy, the arrest report said, initially admitted to having an affair. He later told his wife the girl’s age, the report noted.

Velez’s wife reported the act to the Bartow Police Department. That agency, in turn, asked the sheriff’s office to investigate, an email from the sheriff’s office said.

During the investigation and post-arrest, deputies say Randy Velez confessed to having sex with the teenager. The victim, the arrest report noted, also said the encounter occurred.

Velez was brought into custody on Tuesday. He faces lewd battery and lewd molestation charges. His first appearance in court is set for Thursday morning.

Booking photo courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office