News Summary
A former officer of the Raleigh Police Department, Tremale Stephon Cogdell, has been arrested and charged with multiple sexual crimes. The allegations stem from an incident during a vehicle crash investigation, where Cogdell purportedly engaged in sexual acts with a female victim while on duty. He faces several charges, including felony sexual misconduct and obstruction of justice. The Raleigh Police Department is conducting an internal investigation, as concerns regarding law enforcement accountability arise. Cogdell is currently held at the Wake County Detention Center and scheduled to appear in court shortly.
Raleigh, North Carolina – Former Police Officer Arrested on Sexual Crime Charges
A former officer of the Raleigh Police Department has been arrested and charged with multiple sexual crimes committed while on duty. Tremale Stephon Cogdell, 28, was taken into custody following allegations of misconduct involving a female victim during a vehicle crash investigation. The incident and subsequent charges have sparked concern over law enforcement accountability within the city.
Incident Details and Charges
The arrest stems from an incident that occurred on September 12, during a crash investigation. According to court documents, Cogdell, while on duty, encountered a female victim at the scene. Allegedly, he took the victim back to his home in a Raleigh police vehicle, where a sexual encounter happened. Investigators have also stated that Cogdell failed to conduct a DWI investigation in exchange for sexual acts, which constitutes felony sexual misconduct of a person in custody and felony obstruction of justice. Additionally, he faces a misdemeanor charge of willful neglect of duty.
Arrest and Department Response
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) contacted the Raleigh Police Department on September 26 regarding the misconduct allegations. Following notification, Cogdell was placed on administrative leave and subsequently dismissed from his position. The Raleigh Police Department is currently conducting an internal review alongside the criminal investigation led by the SBI. Currently, Cogdell is being held at the Wake County Detention Center with a $30,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. on the upcoming Monday.
Statements from Authorities
Police Chief Rico Boyce addressed the matter publicly, expressing significant disappointment and concern over the incident. He described the actions as “troubling” and “disgraceful,” emphasizing that such behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement. The chief also highlighted that the department is reviewing previous cases handled by Cogdell to ensure integrity in ongoing and past investigations.
Boyce also commended the victim for coming forward, stating the department supports her and others affected by the incident. He underscored the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability, affirming that no officer, regardless of rank, is above the law.
Legal and Community Reactions
An attorney representing the victim described Cogdell as a “sexual predator with a badge,” raising concerns that similar acts may have been committed prior to his arrest. The case is being reviewed by the Wake County District Attorney’s Office and the Springfield Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit.
Broader Context and Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding misconduct and abuse of authority within law enforcement agencies nationwide. Advocates for police accountability emphasize the importance of thorough investigations and transparent processes to maintain public trust. Experts note that instances of misconduct, especially involving sexual crimes by police officers, undermine community confidence and necessitate strict oversight measures.
Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation
Cogdell’s court appearance is scheduled for Monday, and authorities are expected to continue their investigation into possible further misconduct. The department remains committed to addressing the situation transparently, ensuring accountability, and restoring community trust.
Summary
- A former Raleigh police officer, Tremale Stephon Cogdell, 28, was arrested on charges of sexual misconduct, obstruction of justice, and neglect of duty.
- The incident involved a sexual encounter while on duty during a crash investigation on September 12.
- Cogdell was detained with a $30,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday at 1:30 p.m.
- The Raleigh Police Department has fired Cogdell and is conducting both criminal and internal investigations.
- Authorities and community leaders are emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
The ongoing probe seeks to ensure justice and uphold standards within the police department and the wider community, emphasizing that no misconduct by law enforcement will be tolerated.
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Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
