Florida Police Lieutenant Accused Of Rape, Charged With Sexual Assault And Battery

A police lieutenant in Miami-Dade County, Florida, was arrested Friday on rape charges in relation to an incident that allegedly occurred at a police union gala in April.

Lt. John Jenkins was charged with two counts of sexual battery on a person older than 18, WPLG reported, citing records accessed from the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office.

The alleged assault reportedly occurred on April 24 while the off-duty officer was attending the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Officer's Ball held at Trump National Jupiter Golf Club.

Jenkins was immediately relieved of duties after authorities were notified of the incident.

"It has brought a sense of disappointment that is immeasurable," Miami-Dade Police Department Director Alfredo Ramirez III said upon learning of the arrest.

"This is a serious matter and I am confident that the City of Palm Beach Gardens Police Department will continue to carry out a thorough investigation," he explained.

While authorities did not disclose additional information regarding the incident, Jenkin's attorney, Heidi Perlet, was cited by WINK as saying Saturday, "This situation involves two married consenting adults who have known each other for many years. Anything that may have occurred was consensual."

"Lt. Jenkins is looking forward to having his day in court to clear his name and reputation. He has been committed to serving his community and has been a man of the law for 25 years," Perlet added.

Jenkins resigned last week as executive vice president of the South Florida PBA.

"I'm shocked and extremely disturbed by the charges," PBA president Steadman Stahl said Saturday.

According to records, Jenkins was booked into the Main Detention Facility Friday at around 10 p.m. His bond was set at $10,000 for each count, CNN reported.

Records showed he was not present during a bond hearing Saturday morning but was instead represented by an attorney. A hearing was set for July 1.