A Broward Sheriff’s deputy was arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor starting when she was 15. Investigators said he had sex with the girl multiple times, once involving a whip and putting her in a collar on a leash, over the course of more than two years.
Leon Campbell, 36, was charged with four felony counts of lewd or lascivious battery and one count of sexual activity with a minor. She was the niece of one of his friends, according to police documents, reported The Miami Herald.
The Girl’s aunt became suspicious when they began having long phone conversations and interacting closely. Her grandmother said she became concerned about their interactions when she saw Campbell, a friend of a family member of the victim, inappropriately touch the victim’s chest during a family gathering.
Lauderhill police opened an investigation and obtained a search warrant for Campbell’s home. The search turned up multiple adult items, including a whip that had traces of DNA that matched that of the victim, according to the affidavit. The investigation also revealed hundreds of long phone calls between the deputy and the victim.
Broward Sheriff Scott Israel released a statement to the media in regards to the deputy’s actions, saying: “Deputy Leon Campbell’s actions are a reflection of himself and not the hard-working, dedicated men and women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office.”
Campbell has been released on $15,000 bond.