MURRAY – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) arrested Murray Police Department (MPD) Detective Justin Swope Wednesday for multiple sexual offenses that allegedly occurred in Calloway and Trigg counties.
MPD contacted KSP Post 1 Tuesday, requesting KSP to investigate allegations of sexual abuse against one of their officers that had been brought to their attention that same day, KSP said in a press release.
Through the initial investigation, detectives learned that Swope, 44, of Almo, met the victim in his official capacity in 2018 when the victim was 15 years old, the press release stated. The female victim disclosed details of multiple sexual encounters with Swope that occurred when she was a juvenile.
Swope was arrested on Wednesday and charged with two counts of third-degree rape and one count of third-degree sodomy in Calloway County, along with two counts of third-degree rape and one count of third-degree sodomy in Trigg County.
The investigation remains ongoing by KSP Detective Sergeant Brian Hill.
In a separate press release, the MPD said it received information of possible criminal activity involving a member of the department and, on the same day, requested that the KSP conduct a criminal investigation into the allegations.
MPD initiated its own internal administrative investigation, according to MPD’s release, but Swope was arrested by KSP before the internal investigation was concluded. Swope subsequently resigned from the Murray Police Department.
MPD advised that all further inquiries should be directed to KSP.
Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
CORRECTION: The original headline on this story characterized the charges of third-degree rape and sodomy as "abuse." The headline has been updated to avoid confusion related to the charges against Swope.
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