Polk County authorities have charged a Florida police officer with allegedly sending videos of nude teenage girls to his coworkers.
Markanthony Fernandez (24), a Bartow Police Officer, allegedly also shot other videos of teen girls in his home, drinking alcohol, vaping, and eating THC gums at a February 3 party, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd revealed during a press briefing.
Judd claimed that Bartow brought four teenagers to his home — two 18 year-old girls, one 17-year old and one 16-year old — and forced “one of them to perform a sexual act on the 18-yearold.” Judd also added, “And this was recorded.” He also shared the video with Bartow police officers.
FOX35 reported that one of the teens wore a Bartow Police Department coat in one of these videos.
A Bartow police officer has been arrested by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after his fellow officers reported his alleged behavior. Markanthony Fernandez, 24, was charged Tuesday with four felonies and six misdemeanors. Details: https://t.co/9A9ypZIZqT
— Spectrum Bay News 9 (@BN9) May 29, 2024
Judd said that Bartow had told the girls “he gets sexually excited by choking other people”. He choked 18-year old unconscious. Did you hear me? “He choked the 18 year-old unconscious.”
Judd continued, “Markanthony Fernandez embarrassed his community and police department as well as law enforcement officers worldwide.” His fellow officers from the Bartow Police Department, on the other hand, did what was right by reporting his behavior. Sheriff Judd said during the press conference that Markanthonyfernandez should never wear a badge ever again.
Stephen Walker, Bartow’s Deputy Chief, joined Sheriff Judd to condemn the officer’s alleged acts.
Walker said, “It is very disappointing that this has happened.” We all wear these patches and badges as a symbol of public trust, and it is unfortunate when someone violates this and brings that into question for a community.
Fernandez is in county jail facing numerous charges including promotion of juveniles in sexual performances, use of juveniles in sexual performances, battery by strangulation and illegal use a 2-way communications device. FOX35 reported.
