NAGANO (TR) – Nagano Prefectural Police have dismissed a 35-year-old senior police officer who was arrested and indicted for statutory rape involving a girl under the age of 16, reports Shin Etsu Broadcasting (Oct. 16).
The officer, who was assigned to a koban (police box) under the Nagano Central Police Station, was handed a disciplinary dismissal on October 16. He was indicted on the same day on charges of non-consensual sexual intercourse.
According to the prefectural police’s inspection division, the officer became acquainted with the underage victim through social media. Fully aware that the girl was under 16 and at least five years his junior, he engaged in indecent acts with her on two separate occasions in Miyagi Prefecture during June and July of this year.
The officer was initially taken into custody on September 27. During police questioning, he admitted to the allegations.
Adding to the scandal, an internal investigation revealed that the officer had also been carrying on an extramarital affair with another woman for approximately a year and a half.
This incident marks the sixth time a Nagano Prefectural Police officer has faced disciplinary action this year.
“We offer our deepest apologies to all involved parties and the citizens of the prefecture,” the prefectural police said in a statement. “We have dealt strictly with this matter based on the results of our investigation. We will strive to prevent any recurrence and work to restore the trust of the public.”