Cop removed body camera during on-duty sex act in Ohio, feds say. He pleads guilty
A former Ohio police officer accused of turning off his body camera during encounters with women has pleaded guilty, court records show.
Former Columbus police officer Nicholas Duty of Commercial Point was arrested April 19 on two counts of destroying or altering records related to a criminal investigation, federal officials said.
Duty changed his plea to not guilty on Jan. 22, according to court records. Duty’s attorney declined McClatchy News’ request for comment Jan. 23 while the case is pending.
Duty turned off or removed his body camera during encounters with women on Oct. 31, 2023, and March 22, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
One of these interactions included a “sexual encounter,” McClatchy News previously reported.
On both occasions, Duty was on duty, in uniform and in a marked police vehicle, prosecutors said.
“He knew he was required to comply with Columbus Division of Police policies for wearing the division-issued camera,” prosecutors said in the release. “Duty’s actions were intended to impede, obstruct or influence a federal investigation.”
“The Columbus Division of Police acknowledges the gravity of the situation and recognizes the importance of accountability in fostering positive police-community relations,” Sgt. Joe Albert previously said in a statement to McClatchy News.
“While incidents such as these are regrettable, they serve as reminders of our ongoing commitment to uphold the principles of justice and fairness,” Albert said.
This story was originally published January 23, 2025 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Cop removed body camera during on-duty sex act in Ohio, feds say. He pleads guilty."
