ORLANDO, Fla. — A YouTube video sparked a criminal investigation against a former Officer of the Year at the Orlando Police Department.
State Attorney Monique Worrell just charged Jonathan Mills with felony sexual battery and battery stemming from a 2014 traffic stop, and now there’s a warrant for his arrest.
READ: Former Orlando police officer goes to court over disability pension dispute
Orlando officers on patrol were looking for a suspect when Mills rolled up on the scene. He eventually searched the passenger for drugs, even though it was already determined they had the wrong car.
The details of how the passenger was searched are too graphic for this report.
READ: Multiple cases by former Orlando Police Officer of the Year under review
An internal affairs investigation regarding the incident determined there wasn’t enough to prove Mills had done anything other than conduct a routine search.
Nevertheless, the city settled a federal lawsuit with the victim for $130,000 in 2017.
The following year, Mills, who had a history of complaints in his six years with the department, was named Officer of the Year.
WATCH: Bodycam footage shows Orlando police officer tasing man on bicycle
His bosses touted that his proactive police work led to numerous drug seizures and arrests, some of which were later reviewed by prosecutors because his police reports didn’t line up with body camera video.
He was fired from the department earlier this year, not because of the complaints of excessive force, racist behavior or other inappropriate conduct toward the public, some of it captured on camera.
Read: Men on vacation claim on-duty Orlando officer beat car with a two-by-four board
The chief fired him because the clock ran out as he fought for a disability pension, with claims the stress of the job caused heart issues.
Mills has appealed his termination with the city, and his case is waiting to be heard by a panel of judges who have the option to grant oral arguments in court or review the petition based on written arguments.
It’s unclear if this arrest and pending new charge of sexual battery could impact the proceedings.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
