The Indy Channel
INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis police officer was arrested Tuesday after an internal investigation found that he paid for a sex act and lap dances at a strip club on the city’s west side, police said.
Sgt. Michael Forrest, a 23-year veteran of the department, was charged with patronizing a prostitute and official misconduct.
Police said Forrest, a North District officer, was on duty, was wearing his police uniform and was driving a fully marked police car when he went to the Sunset Strip Gentlemen’s Club in the 2300 block of West 16th Street.
“While at the club, he purchased drinks for one of the dancers, paid for several lap dances and engaged in sexual activity in a private room with the dancer,” Sgt. Linda Jackson said. “The entire incident was captured on the business’ video surveillance equipment.”
Police began the internal investigation shortly after learning of the allegations on Nov. 22.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the club’s owner showed investigators video of the incident and gave them a copy.
Police said the dancer told them that Forrest paid her $65 for three lap dances and the sex act.
“Sgt. Forrest’s illegal activities (tarnish) the IMPD badge, disrespects his fellow police officers, as well as the community he has sworn to protect,” Marion County Public Safety Director Frank Straub said in a statement. “We will not tolerate such behavior and will be relentless in the pursuit of employees who engage in illegal activity.”
Forrest was suspended without pay, pending the conclusion of the investigation, police said.
“Sgt. Forrest betrayed our badge and the trust of our community,” said Indianapolis Police Chief Paul Ciesielski. “He violated the role and responsibility we placed upon him as a supervisor. We will not tolerate this type of action within the IMPD.”
Reprinted with permission from The Indy Channel.