Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart has issued a statement in response to news of a Takoma Park police officer’s arrest for sexual abuse of a minor.
Citing court documents, WJLA-TV last week reported that 42-year-old Eric Mueller had been arrested in a case involving a 17-year-old female juvenile that occurred shortly before Thanksgiving.
“He has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor and a fourth-degree sexual offense,” according to an email to the Source from a Montgomery County police spokesperson. “The victim and suspect were known to one another.”
Stewart on Twitter noted that the officer had been suspended without pay and had his police powers suspended as well, pending the investigation.
Statement part 1: "We are approaching situation w/the seriousness it deserves. Corp Mueller has been suspended w/out pay, incl suspension of police powers, pending investigation. TPPD is cooperating fully w/MoCoPD’s investigation." https://t.co/QGFkCVLvY3
— Kate Stewart (she/her) (@KateforTakoma) December 14, 2020
WJLA reported the suspect had been released on $10,000 unsecured personal bond, with “several restrictions including electronic monitoring and a no-contact-with-minor order, unless another adult is present.”
Stewart further noted the investigation is being conducted by the county police and that the city would refer all inquiries to that department’s Public Information Department.
Statement (part 2): "As this situation involves an ongoing investigation and a personnel-related matter, we are directing all inquiries to the Montgomery County Police Department Public Information Office." https://t.co/QGFkCVLvY3
— Kate Stewart (she/her) (@KateforTakoma) December 14, 2020
MCPD photo