DOJ’s Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust indicted Monday a former Wilmington Police Department (WPD) after an investigation revealed that he sent lewd text messages to a 17-year-old whom he met while on duty.
“The facts of this case are grave and disturbing,” said Attorney General Jennings. “The defendant in this case swore an oath to protect our community from this kind of misconduct. His actions broke that trust. He did not simply break the law, he harmed a minor. He urged the victim, whom he knew was a minor, to remain silent about sexually explicit messages. And he remained engaged in his criminal acts for a month. His actions are a serious violation of the law and an abuse of the position of power and trust that he was privileged to hold. He will be held accountable.”
Brandon Cooper, 30, initially met his victim in March 2020 at Kingswood Community Center while working on assignment. The victim was listed in his phone as “Yougn” [sic] due to her age. Between December 2, 2021 and January 1, 2022, Cooper and his victim engaged in a series of explicit text messages, including nude photos of the victim and Cooper encouraging sexual acts. The communications include a December 2 video message which depicts Cooper – while wearing a WPD uniform – saying “look” and then aiming the camera at his exposed, erect penis. Cooper also encouraged his victim to keep their communications secret.
On December 3, the Division of Family Services (DFS) responded to the victim’s residence in response to the victim’s report of a sexual abuse incident that did not involve Cooper. Cooper, however, was dispatched to the residence to assist DFS. Upon his arrival, the victim advised that a sexual assault did not occur, and later disclosed to her DFS Social Worker that she recanted her statement because Cooper had sent her a video of him exposing his penis. DFS informed WPD of the victim’s disclosure, and WPD immediately opened an investigation and informed DCRPT.
Cooper is charged with Sexual Solicitation of a Child, a Class B Felony, along with misdemeanor charges of Official Misconduct and Lewdness. If convicted, he could face more than 26 years in prison.
This indictment was secured by the Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust following a criminal investigation by DCRPT and the Wilmington Police Department with the cooperation and support of the Division of Family Services.