It is hard to believe Joe Mendez was once the coordinator of South Miami Police Explorer’s program for young people aged 14 – 20.
Watching him walk out of Broward County Jail is a disturbing sight. He was arrested by state agents for having inappropriate interactions we underage girls.
Mendez is accused of possessing child pornography and contributing to the criminal behavior of a minor.
During his five year tenure as a leader on the community program from 2009 to 2014, the police officer is believed to have bought alcohol for at least two underage female cadets.
In addition to this, he played a game of truth or dare with them and asked them to show him their private parts.
When asked if the allegations were correct, Mendez said he had no comment.
Investigations into the matter began 15 months ago.
According to the arrest affidavit, he had played the game with minors more than once.
The document further states that he would ask the girls to show him their breasts and if they refused he would tell them to drink alcohol.
FDLE special agent Donald Cannon revealed that officials confiscated several electronic devices following a search of his home.
He further added that the authorities have reason to believe these devices contain child pornography.
Mendez has specifically denied these charges.
This raises questions over why he was given the leadership of the program that involved minors in the first place.
According to investigators, the cop says he took up the role because he was in an unhappy marriage and needed something positive to focus on.
Cannon says it is ultimately parents’ responsibility to stay involved in their children’s lives.
The agent says no one should be deemed trustworthy enough.
This is a strange comment in light of the fact that not only was Mendez a police officer, but had been chosen by the force to lead a program involving minors.
The accused has been with the department since 2005 and is now facing charges of sexual performance by a child and selling, giving or serving alcohol to an underage person.
Alarmingly, state agents have reason to believe that they may be more victims who have not yet come forward with information.
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