PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a retired Clearwater Police Officer for Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.
According to detectives, the investigation began on March 3, 2020 after the female victim disclosed the sexual abuse while in a Manatee County hospital.
During the investigation, detectives learned of two occasions where 48-year-old Stephen White entered the bedroom of the victim, exposed his penis and placed it in her hand while she was sleeping.
Through various investigative techniques, detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for White and took him into custody on Wednesday, September 9, 2020.
“During his career with the Clearwater Police Department, there was never any indication of this type of complaint against Officer White,” said Chief Daniel Slaughter. “We have no knowledge about the case involving the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, but we are disheartened and troubled to hear about these types of allegations involving someone who once worked for our agency.”
White was taken to the Pasco County Jail where he was charged with Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child under 12.
White retired in December of 2019 after serving 22 years as a police officer with the City of Clearwater.
If you have any information or have been a victim in this case you are asked to contact Detective Serena Ghosio at (727) 582-6006 or by email at sghosio@pcsonet.com.
The investigation continues.