An investigation into alleged misconduct by an Omaha Police officer is underway by Douglas County officials.
Sheriff Tim Dunning tells 6 News in February, a 25-year-old woman went to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to file a sexual assault complaint. "This individual had made a sexual assault complaint, and we began the investigation."
According to the incident report, a known person met the victim at her apartment. She believes that person put something in her alcoholic beverage that caused her to become unaware of what was happening. The victim believes she and the person had sex.
The victim told 6 New that the "known person" in the report is Officer Greg Lemons with the Omaha Police Department. She says Lemons had cited her for DUI just a few days before the encounter at her apartment.
Almost immediately, after the victim reported the incident, the sheriff contacted Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer. Omaha Police say Officer Lemons was placed on administrative leave within an hour of that phone call.
The Douglas County Attorney's Office is also looking into the matter, but officials say they’re not ready to say if they believe any charges will be filed. they were still reviewing evidence including a video they recently obtained.
Sheriff Dunning doesn't think a sexual assault charge will be filed against the officer. "There is a substantial lack of evidence. We don't have anybody that witnessed it. We weren't able to corroborate whether she was drugged or not. We were not able to corroborate whether there was non-consensual sexual contact, so, to be able to charge someone with sexual assault is pretty difficult."
While the Sheriff's Office has specific language regarding prohibited relationships in its Code of Conduct, the police department does not. In a statement, Omaha Police said, "It is simply too difficult to cover every set of facts with individual rules 'Conduct unbecoming' can be applied to a variety of situations, including ethical concerns.”
Since March 21st, Officer Lemons’ status changed to special duty, which is a non-uniform assignment where he has no contact with the public. He will remain in this position, pending the outcome of OPD's internal investigation.
(Photo courtesy of 6 News)