In May 2019, while on duty, Officer Cleshaun A. Cox abducted and sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl. He pleaded guilty to federal charges of deprivation of rights under color of law and was sentenced to 18 years in prison in November 2023. Additionally, he was convicted of abduction and carnal knowledge in August 2021 in Portsmouth Circuit Court, receiving a 5-year sentence. Cox is required to register as a sex offender and will undergo five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. The judge emphasized the severity of his offenses and the breach of public trust. A civil lawsuit filed by the victim is also pending in Portsmouth court.
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