 OFFICER ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL BATTERYBroward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives arrested a Coconut Creek police officer today on one count of custodial sexual battery and two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. |
OFFICER ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL BATTERY
- BSO Case Number: 11-1604-002989
- PIO Number: 16-4-14
- Date: April 14, 2016
- Time: 4 p.m.
- Place of Occurrence: Coconut Creek
- Jurisdiction: Coconut Creek
Victim(s):
- Two males, believed to be 13 years old at the time of the incident
Suspect(s):
- Daniel Rush, 26, male, Coconut Creek
Description of Incident:
Broward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives arrested a Coconut Creek police officer today on one count of custodial sexual battery and two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation.
The officer, Daniel Rush, was taken into custody at approximately 4 p.m. at the Coconut Creek Police Department.
The accusations first came to light on Sunday, April 10 when one of the victims handed another parishioner a note while attending worship services at a church in Pompano Beach. The note included claims of sexual misconduct.
On Monday, April 11, the parishioner went to the BSO Pompano Beach district office to report the incident and turned the victim’s note over to a deputy. The case was assigned to the Special Victims Unit for further investigation.
Detectives spoke with the victim and learned that the allegations occurred in Coconut Creek. Coconut Creek PD was contacted and requested that BSO continue the investigation.
During an independent interview of the victim with staff at the Nancy J. Cotterman Sexual Assault Treatment Center, detectives learned that the sexual offenses occurred last year. A second victim was later identified. The second victim was interviewed Wednesday and told investigators Rush fondled him. Rush admitted to knowing the boys but denied the allegations.
Rush is the co-founder of a mentoring organization, Men of Virtue & Ethics. Due to the group’s association with other churches, detectives are concerned there may be more victims. If you have information about additional victims or believe your child may be a victim, you are urged to call BSO Special Victims Det. Ann Suter at (954) 321-4240. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
The officer, Daniel Rush, was taken into custody at approximately 4 p.m. at the Coconut Creek Police Department.
The accusations first came to light on Sunday, April 10 when one of the victims handed another parishioner a note while attending worship services at a church in Pompano Beach. The note included claims of sexual misconduct.
On Monday, April 11, the parishioner went to the BSO Pompano Beach district office to report the incident and turned the victim’s note over to a deputy. The case was assigned to the Special Victims Unit for further investigation.
Detectives spoke with the victim and learned that the allegations occurred in Coconut Creek. Coconut Creek PD was contacted and requested that BSO continue the investigation.
During an independent interview of the victim with staff at the Nancy J. Cotterman Sexual Assault Treatment Center, detectives learned that the sexual offenses occurred last year. A second victim was later identified. The second victim was interviewed Wednesday and told investigators Rush fondled him. Rush admitted to knowing the boys but denied the allegations.
Rush is the co-founder of a mentoring organization, Men of Virtue & Ethics. Due to the group’s association with other churches, detectives are concerned there may be more victims. If you have information about additional victims or believe your child may be a victim, you are urged to call BSO Special Victims Det. Ann Suter at (954) 321-4240. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
- INVESTIGATORS: SVU Det. A. Suter, CID & Lt. R. Lorber, Sgt. S. Erdelyi, CID Pompano Beach, Coconut Creek
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