A former police officer from West Palm Beach is facing serious charges following an incident that took place while he was supposed to be serving and protecting the public. Justice Feeley-Carim, who used to work for the West Palm Beach Police Department, has been charged with kidnapping and battery as well as false imprisonment, as reported by CBS12. The incident in question occurred on March 26, but wasn't brought to light until April 7, which immediately prompted the department to place Feeley-Carim on paid leave.
Chief of Police Tony Araujo reinforced the department's principles, stating, "Our officers are held to the highest standards, and they will be held fully accountable, as will every member of this police department," as obtained by CBS12. Feeley-Carim, hired less than a year prior to the incident on September 24, 2024, was still in his 12-month probationary period when the alleged crime happened along the 4200 block of 45th Street.
The former officer has a past service record with the Fort Pierce Police Department, where he was acknowledged as "Officer of the Month" in the previous year. Despite the accolades, the West Palm Beach Police Department’s swift action underscores the severity of the charges. After the Special Victims Unit (SVU) concluded the behavior was indeed criminal, Feeley-Carim was terminated effective April 16.
Details of the incident are still being withheld. Feeley-Carim has surrendered to the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center, and the courts have set his bond at $200,000. He was also forced to surrender his passport, indicating the seriousness of the situation, according to WPBF.
