PALM BAY, Fla. — A Palm Bay police officer who had been with the department for less than a year was arrested Wednesday for an inappropriate relationship with a minor, officials said.
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Sheridon Archer, 23, was arrested after being identified through an investigation when officers became aware of allegations that a police officer was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor, Palm Bay police said.
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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was requested to investigate further and enough probable cause was developed to arrest Archer.
According to FDLE, their investigation began Sunday when the Palm Bay Police Department contacted them about the allegations against Archer.
Investigators say between Aug. 1 and Aug. 20, Archer used the “MeetMe” social media application to contact a 13-year-old girl.
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Agents say he then met with the girl at her home to have sex on two separate occasions. According to FDLE, Archer was on duty each time he met the teen.
Archer was booked into the Brevard County jail Wednesday, charged with two counts of felony lewd or lascivious battery. He’s being held on $500,000 bond.
Archer had been employed by the Palm Bay Police Department for nine months. He was terminated on Wednesday effective immediately.
The investigation is ongoing, police said.
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