Transient female becomes sexual assault victim of on-duty policeman in Cobb County, Ga.

Chief Cox called the case one of "unique challenges."

Without giving many details about a crime perpetrated on a woman with no local address almost two months ago, the Cobb County Police held a press conference at headquarters today. They were flanked by several community partners, namely local Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) members, fraternity men, and community activists. 

The ethnicity of the victim was not divulged. It was suggested that the victim was homeless when the attack occurred.

"Protect and serve" is a commonly known police motto.

In the presser auditorium were several members of the Hispanic media, including representatives from Telemundo and Hispatlanta. One reporter waiting outside said it reminded him of a national press conference because of the number of media in attendance and cameras on display.

Officer Andres Alcaraz, an ex-military guardsman who had been on the force four years, was the main reason why the press conference was called. Alcaraz resigned after a Cobb County Police Crimes Against Persons Unit  issued a warrant for his arrest. Alcaraz turned himself in after being placed on administrative leave while the department continued its investigation.

Motorcycle in police headquarters lobby

Alcaraz, a former DUI Taskforce officer, was charged with felony sexual assault/law enforcement while on duty, which is a violation of public office. 

Cobb County Police Chief C. T. Cox stated that the reluctant victim did not come forward immediately after she was stopped and assaulted because she was concerned that her complaint would not be taken seriously. She then confided in two officers from Precinct 4 which led to an internal investigation which is still active and ongoing, according to Cox.

Allegedly, Officer Alcaraz got involved with the victim while on a suspicious person call, and she was being detained by him, not arrested. Rape and kidnapping charges could be added later, according to Cox. The assault happened in Smyna, Ga. near Benson Poole Rd., a residential and commercial area.

“When citizens hire us to do a job,  you expect us to be beyond reproach,” Cox said, which includes being professional, courteous, and not in violation of the law. “I think in this case, there had been a failure to do that, at least by this individual.” The Chief said he didn’t know of any other disciplinary actions against Officer Alcaraz.

There is no body cam footage of the assault even though the officer was issued a body camera. The assault occurred in the wee hours of the morning in an unlit location. 

When asked what the department is doing to counteract trauma and chaos that officers may encounter on the job, he said, “We take the health of our officers, whether physical or mental, very seriously.” Cox said they have established peer support groups, a chaplain is ready to assist officers experiencing spiritual concerns, and an employee assistance program is available through the county. 

Officer Alcaraz is said to have a “few” complaints filed on him during his law enforcement career. Cox said he was appalled at the alleged actions of Officer Alcaraz, but he cannot predict human behavior. He said this case has some "unique challenges" because the police couldn’t locate the victim because she had no local address. 

Cox stressed the importance of the community working with law enforcement to solve criminal issues. 

“The police department is doing everything it can - through procedures, policies and training - to prevent this from occurring again.” Almost one year ago to the day, another Cobb County officer was held without bail on a felony charge for assaulting a woman in his home who had the mental capacity of a 10-14 year old girl.

For press conference question and answer session video, go to my Youtube channel: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCE7IygxjkY_C_EPAkvT6dmQ