A federal grand jury has indicted a Columbus police officer on charges related to him turning off his body camera during encounters with women while on duty.
Nicholas P. Duty, 35, of Commercial Point, faces two charges of destroying or altering records related to a criminal investigation. He was arrested Friday morning and is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Columbus this afternoon.
According to a release from U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker's office, Duty was on the job and deactivated or removed his body camera during interactions with two women, including during a sexual encounter, on Oct. 21, 2023, and March 22, 2024.
The indictment alleges that he did so to impede, obstruct or influence a federal investigation.
Columbus police spokesman Sgt. Joe Albert said in an emailed statement that any violations of law or actions inconsistent with the division's core values will "be met with swift and appropriate disciplinary measures, including criminal charges."
"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. "As the case progresses, the Division will remain fully cooperative with all investigating authorities."
Duty faces up to 20 years in prison.