WOODBRIDGE, Va. — A Prince William County police officer was arrested on Thursday following an investigation into allegations of abduction and sexual battery involving an adult woman, authorities said.
James Thomas Clinton, 28, a six-year veteran of the Prince William County Police Department, was taken into custody after being accused of two incidents of inappropriate conduct while on duty, according to a statement from the department. The investigation began on September 23 after the victim came forward.
The first incident allegedly occurred on June 4 at Potomac Mills, where the victim was employed. Investigators say Clinton forcibly handcuffed the woman during an encounter, though she was not being detained for any crime. The second incident took place on September 22 at Turley Park in Dale City, where Clinton is accused of holding the woman against her will during a verbal altercation and making repeated threats. The victim also reported that Clinton inappropriately touched her and grabbed her neck.
Following the allegations, Clinton was relieved of his police authority, and an investigation was launched by the department’s Office of Professional Standards and Criminal Investigations Division. Clinton has been charged with two counts of abduction, one count of sexual battery, and one count of assault and battery.
“This type of behavior is reprehensible and does not represent the values and professionalism of the members of this agency,” said Chief Peter Newsham in a statement. “I commend our Criminal Investigations Division for acting quickly and effectively in bringing charges to ensure that he is held accountable.”
Clinton is being held without bond. A court date has been set for November 13.
