Officer Jailed In Palm Beach County. Read What He’s Accused Of Doing…
BY: 24/7 CRIME DESK | BocaNewsNow.com
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A police officer Monday is facing charges filed by his own department after his allegedly criminal response to a call for help. Officer James Bush, of the West Palm Beach Police Department, was arrested on Friday. The police department issued this statement to BocaNewsNow.com:
[OFFICIAL STATEMENT] James Matthew Bush, 33, of West Palm Beach, was arrested July 12 following a criminal investigation stemming from a call he handled two days prior. Just after 9 a.m. July 10, Bush was dispatched to an apartment complex near Village Boulevard after a man called police to evict his girlfriend. The man was throwing her belongings out the front door following an argument. When Bush arrived, he intervened and told the man to leave. In a statement to police, the woman said Bush approached and asked her if she wanted …”to go upstairs and have some fun?” The victim said Bush grabbed her arm and led her to a guest bedroom where Bush unzipped his pants, exposed his pe-is and tried to force the victim to perform oral sex.
At one point, Bush offered her, “$2,000 to get your own place.” Bush left and the boyfriend returned to the apartment. Just after 1 p.m. Wednesday, the boyfriend called police again, saying he wanted a restraining order against his girlfriend. This time, Bush and another officer responded to the apartment. During the encounter, the victim reported to the other officer that Bush “sexually assaulted” her and that she had evidence on her phone. Bush grabbed her phone during a struggle and deleted video, which was retrieved during the subsequent investigation. Bush, hired January 11, 2021, was relieved of duty and arrested July 12.
Bush admitted to some of the elements of the crimes when interviewed by detectives. He was booked into the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office Main Detention Center late Friday night and faces charges including attempted sexual battery, robbery, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, and soliciting for prostitution. He is being held on $341,000 bond.
“When someone abuses their position of authority to commit a crime, we have an obligation to swiftly act in the best interest of the community we serve and hold those responsible who breach the public trust,” Chief Frank Adderley said. “On behalf of the men and women who are dedicated to serve and protect, this is not reflective of the West Palm Beach Police Department. We have a zero-tolerance for misconduct and abuse of power and will hold those accountable who violate their oath.” The investigation remains open.
