A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer is facing charges after he allegedly threatened to distribute sexually explicit photos and videos of a victim. Joel Medina, a 30-year-old officer, has been charged with extortion and disclosure of private images, according to court documents referenced by WCNC. These felonies stem from Medina's threat to share the explicit content to obtain $10,000 wrongfully from the victim.
Arrested on Monday, court records cited by myfox8 reveal that Medina did distribute the explicit materials without the victim's consent. The incident, which transpired while Medina was off duty, is reported to have not affect the discharge of his official duties. Following an interview with CMPD that shed light on the events, he was taken into custody and is now held at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
CMPD has placed Medina on unpaid administrative leave as per the details from WBTV. Having joined the force on February 28, 2022, he was assigned to the Eastway Division before these allegations led to his arrest. An internal investigation is concurrently being led by CMPD's Internal Affairs to assess the depth of Medina's actions and any further implications.
In a statement obtained by WBTV, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings expressed deep disappointment about the arrest, emphasizing the implication it has on the department's relationship with the public. "I am disheartened by the recent arrest of Officer Medina. An officer’s arrest is not just a personal failure but a breach of public trust. The trust of our community is paramount, and we will not tolerate any conduct that undermines that trust, I’m proud of the diligent and thorough work by our detectives who investigated this case." Jennings said. He also praised the investigative efforts of the detectives involved in Medina's case, and reiterated the department's commitment to uphold the law, pointing out that, "Our badge gives us the authority to enforce the law, not immunity from the law. This arrest is a necessary step to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of our department."
