Chattanooga police officer accused of kidnapping, sexual battery

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Chattanooga police officer has been arrested and now faces charges of Felony Kidnapping and Felony Sexual Battery.

Officer Benjamin Dessalines was taken into custody Thursday.

Officials said an internal investigation was opened on an allegation of misconduct after a victim filed a report.

That investigation began on Tuesday and it is still ongoing.

According to an affidavit, the victim says Dessalines offered her a ride home, detoured to his apartment and then forced himself on her. She resisted, and upon returning to his vehicle to take her home, he pulled out a gun.

She says she feared for her life as Dessalines drover her down a back alley and reportedly told her to keep quiet about the incident because she “has a lot more to lose than he does.”

In a statement released Wednesday, Chattanooga Police Chief David Roddy said the actions of one officer do not represent the entire department.

“There are hundreds of Chattanooga police officers who do great work every day to uphold the mission of the Chattanooga Police Department and build trust with community members,” said Roddy. “Investigations into conduct of this magnitude are the result of choices and actions of a few and do not represent the values of the department and the many officers who serve the Chattanooga community.”

Dessalines is on administrative leave.

A court date has been set for December 7th.