By Mark F. Gray, Special to the AFRO, mgray@afro.com
Ian Lucas, a five-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department, plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of soliciting a sexual act in D.C. Lucas reportedly had been stripped of his law enforcement responsibilities since last November when the investigation began and was suspended with pay until sentencing in February.
The County Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division started its investigation into Lucas’s case after the allegations surfaced involving inappropriate contact with a prostitute by officers from both Prince George’s and D.C. Police Departments. Another officer from the District was also suspended as their internal investigation began late last year.
Ian Lucas, a five-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department, plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of soliciting act in D.C. (Stock Photo)
Lucas, 32, of Upper Marlboro, reportedly offered to pay for a sex act that was ultimately caught on video in the 500 block of 60th Street in Northeast, Washington, and then went to an ATM to pay the woman, prosecutors said in court. The prosecution also claimed the unidentified woman was coerced by the officer, who tried to intimidate her. She reportedly used her cell phone camera to record the crime, which took place inside a marked Prince George’s Police vehicle.
Lucas’ plea was part of a what is known as a deferred sentencing agreement. The agreement allows for the guilty plea, but rescinds the plea in six months after he completes 48 hours of community service and any recommended alcohol treatment. After he can withdraw his plea and the case will be dismissed without a conviction on his record.
However, the woman’s attorney reportedly was less than satisfied with the court’s decision. Cary Hansel, an attorney for the woman in the case, told the {Washington Post} that his client was pressured to satisfy Lucas because he was a police officer.
“Our belief is that this is a pretty gross undercharging,” Hansel said. “Our next steps will be to continue to follow the case through the sentencing and to also follow up with potential other legal action.”
Prince George’s County police spokeswoman Jennifer Donelan said that Lucas will continue on suspension with pay as the administrative phase of the case proceeds, which will determine his future status within the department.
This is the second time within the last year that Prince George’s Police has dealth with one of its officers facing accusations of exchanging money for a sex act in his marked police cruiser while he was off-duty. Last October, officer Ryan Macklin, was arrested and indicted on first-and second-degree rape, misconduct in office, and related charges.
During a traffic stop Macklin alledgedly ordered her to drive behind a store, where he forced her to perform oral sex. The woman in that case also said Macklin ordered her to engage in sexual intercourse. However, Police said a witness arrived and Macklin left the scene in his patrol car. She was initially hesitant to file a criminal complaint because of her immigration status, but, ultimately, approached an immigration advocacy group’s and reported being assaulted.