Columbus police officer accused of improper encounters with women resigns

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) – A federal grand jury indictment has resulted in the resignation of a Columbus police officer effective this month.

According to a spokesperson with the Columbus Division of Police, Nicholas Duty, 35, resigned on May 3. The resignation stems from allegations that Duty destroyed or altered records related to a criminal investigation.

Duty reportedly destroyed, altered, or falsified records by purposefully deactivated or removed his police body-worn camera, with the alleged intention to impede, obstruct or influence a federal investigation. He was arrested on April 19, according to a release by the office of U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker.

The alleged incidents occurred on Oct. 31 and March 22 during interactions with two women, including once during a sexual encounter. Duty, while on duty, was reportedly wearing a police uniform and in a marked police vehicle with an assigned body-worn camera, which is required to comply with Columbus police policies for wearing division-issued cameras.

The U.S. Attorney’s office said that knowingly altering records to obstruct a federal investigation is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

According to personnel records, Duty was placed on leave March 24 based on the ongoing criminal investigation. He pleaded not guilty in federal court and will next appear before a judge at a future date.

Duty was hired by the Columbus Division of Police on Jan. 4, 2019. His employee status lists him as inactive effective May 3, according to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy portal.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.