A Miami Gardens police officer is under investigation as state investigators examine allegations of potential sexual misconduct, NBC 6 has learned.
Officer Deandre Morris has been relieved of duty while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the allegations. FDLE officials confirmed an investigation is underway.
Multiple sources told NBC 6 a search warrant was executed at the officer's home in northwest Miami-Dade just before the Easter weekend.
NBC 6 attempted to contact Morris though the Police Benevolent Association, which many times provides legal counsel for officers, but they said they are not representing him.
Morris had worked in Key West as an officer before coming to Miami Gardens within the last year.
Multiple law enforcement sources told NBC 6 that the investigation surrounds allegations of potential sexual misconduct while Morris was in uniform, either while he was on duty or in transit to or from an off-duty detail.
The sources indicate a female officer Morris came in contact with notified law enforcement and FDLE stepped in to conduct a search warrant on his property Friday afternoon and FDLE is now gathering and examining any physical evidence and conducting interviews.
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Miami Gardens police released a statement saying "In keeping with Miami Gardens Policy, we will not comment on an open investigation. However,...any member...who violates standards of professional conduct will be subject to disciplinary action...and any law-enforcement officer...accused of committing a criminal act will also be subject to prosecution."
The police chief in Miami Gardens has been very clear about running a tight ship and has emphasized the rules must be strictly followed. Officer Morris will get his due process and is presumed innocent of any of the allegations that triggered him being relieved of duty.
