IMPD officer accused of raping domestic violence victims while on-duty

INDIANAPOLIS: A former Indianapolis police officer is being held on allegations of rape and official misconduct after it was revealed that he took advantage of a victim of domestic abuse by using his position of authority.

The former officer, Myron Howard, was charged in Marion County with official misconduct, rape, and several other misdemeanors. He had been with the department for about a year. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced on Tuesday that Howard had been placed under arrest .

IMD Chief Bailey

IMPD Chief Chris Bailey stated, “The allegations made in the probable cause affidavit are deeply disappointing and disturbing." “His alleged actions not only violated his sacred oath to our community, but he abused his power and took advantage of a victim when she was vulnerable.”

According to IMPD, officers were first summoned to a residence on the city's near northeast side at 11:30 p.m. on January 6 in relation to a domestic violence incident. After apprehending a suspect, the police carried out their investigation.

Howard, according to the department, returned alone after other IMPD officers had left the area.

The victim told IMPD, "Not even like 15 minutes [after my boyfriend was arrested] I see flashlights outside my house and I hear a knock on my door.  I opened my door and [there] was the officer (Howard). And he’s like, you know you could’ve went to jail too but I didn’t say anything so I need you to do something for me.”

Howard was on duty when this happened, according to IMPD.

According to court documents, the victim said, “I thought he wanted sex, like because he was very persistent about coming in the house, so I just let him.” According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim said. “At that time, I felt obliged to do what he tells me.”

The victim of domestic abuse claimed that after entering her home, Howard requested to be taken to the bedroom. After telling her to bend over the mattress, Howard allegedly took off his gunbelt and raped the woman.

Attorney Mark Nicholson

Attorney Mark Nicholson represents the victim. He stated, "Rape is an abhorrent act. When it is committed by someone who is supposed to protect the law, it becomes even more heinous. This incident is a classic example of the misuse and abuse of power." 

With the help of her attorney, the victim reported the incident to the police.  The victim told officers during one of their interviews that she didn't think the sex was consenting.

Not Consensual Sex Encounter

“No, [the sex was not consensual]. Because I feel like I didn’t have an option, I couldn’t just say no… Like, I didn’t feel like I had the power to say no,” the victim is quoted as saying. “Because he was a police officer holding something against me.”

Howard had been parked near the victim's residence for a considerable period of time shortly after the first incident, according to an analysis of his IMPD squad car activities.

Howard acknowledged going back to the woman's house when he was questioned by cops, but he claimed that she had waved him down and welcomed him inside. Before leading him into the bedroom and removing his clothes, the victim, in Howard's words, let him rant about romantic matters.

In addition, Howard acknowledged engaging in sexual activity with the victim, claiming she gave him permission and undressed herself beforehand. He added that he had worn a condom.

Cop Carries Condom

“I usually carry a condom in my wallet,” Officer Howard said in his interview. “Not to be graphic, but I carry it there because, almost five years been a cop, um, ladies hit on me a lot, and I’m not getting another lady pregnant.”

Investigators noted that it would be strange for a victim of domestic abuse who was still bleeding from a lip injury to approach a police officer and ask to have sex with him.

Howard allegedly said that the topic "was a little personal" when it was questioned how often he has sex while on duty. He did, however, state that it occurred before in Yorktown and Anderson while he was an officer there.

Howard also acknowledged having sex with other victims he had encountered while employed by the IMPD.

Officer Arrested and Charged

Following a several-month-long inquiry into Howard's activities, IMPD detectives submitted evidence against the officer to Marion County prosecutors on Monday. Myron Howard was formally charged with and placed under custody for the following offenses on Tuesday:

Rape (level 1 felony)
Criminal confinement (level 3 felony)
Official misconduct x2 (level 6 felonies)
Making an unlawful proposition (class A misdemeanor)
Public indecency (class A misdemeanor), and
Public nudity (class B misdemeanor).

Contact Legal Help

If you've been abused by the police, please contact the Law Office of Mark Nicholson at 317-667-0718.