A Sanford police officer was arrested on Wednesday, accused of bribery and unlawful compensation, Florida Department of Law Enforcement said.
Joseph Wiggins, 38, an officer with the Sanford Police turned himself in today, at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility, after FDLE issued a warrant for his arrest.
FDLE said, the investigation began in July, when the Sanford Police Department asked the agency to look into allegation that Wiggins had solicited a bribe from an individual during a traffic top the month before.
FDLE’s investigation found that Wiggins had solicited the driver and accepted money in exchange for not writing a ticket or taking the driver into custody.
The Sanford Police Department will now complete their administrative investigation into the actions of Officer Wiggins.
Wiggins was booked into the Seminole County Jail.
The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.
“It is a disappointing day for the men and women of the Sanford Police Department and the community,” said Sanford Police Chief Lee. “Although it tarnishes the efforts being made to develop partnerships with the community, it is important for the community to know when we learn of unprofessional acts by members of the organization we will take corrective action to insure the community’s confidence.”
