TAMPA, Fla. – On Monday afternoon, the Tampa Police Department arrested one of their own. Detectives took 31-year-old Jonathan Darling into custody at his home on charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, use of a two-way communications device, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Darling, who joined the department in 2019, was immediately relieved of all duties following his arrest.
“When you wear our badge, you are held to the highest standard of public trust. This individual shattered that standard and dishonored the dedicated officers who serve our community with integrity every day,” Chief Lee Bercaw said. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of the victim in this case. This agency will never tolerate behavior that exploits the vulnerable or betrays the public trust.”
The investigation kicked off on May 15, 2026, after the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Squad received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The cyber tip flagged suspicious online financial transactions between Darling and someone who appeared to be underage.
By May 26, investigators confirmed the victim was a 16-year-old boy and received reports of criminal acts. Darling was placed on administrative leave while detectives continued to look into the case.
Evidence showed that Darling and the teenager initially met on an adult location-based dating app. Digital records revealed a clear pattern of money transfers and messages between December 2025 and March 2026. According to the investigation, these communications involved explicit photos of the victim, discussions about sexual activity, travel plans, and buying marijuana for the teen. Investigators also uncovered forensic evidence of messages between Darling and a third party to purchase marijuana and have it delivered to the victim at Darling’s home.
Officers arrested Darling without incident just after 2:00 p.m. on June 15. He was transported and booked into the Orient Road Jail. The police department noted that the investigation remains active pending the completion of their internal disciplinary process.
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