Former Connellsville officer accused of accepting 'sexual favors' from teenage girl

CONNELLSVILLE, Pa. — Charges were filed Wednesday against a former police officer from Fayette County accused of accepting “sexual favors” from a teenage girl.

According to the criminal complaint, Connellsville City Police Officer Ryan Reese had an ongoing sexual relationship with a teenage female.

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The investigation began in February 2014 when a 16-year-old girl alleged that Reese accepted sexual favors from her in return for his not filing drug charges stemming from an investigation and search at her residence on Oct. 3, 2013. State police said he still ended up filing those charges against her.

“He did file those and proceed to have contact with her over several months,” said Stephanie Lucas, with Pennsylvania State Police.

Throughout the months of February, March and April of 2014, the alleged victim cooperated with authorities during the investigation.

According to the complaint, it was determined that Reese had utilized the girl to conduct “undercover” purchases of controlled substances in the Connellsville area.

“It was also evident from several conversations between Reese and the female that illegal conduct and physical conduct between the two had occurred,” the complaint says.

State police said Reese had sex with the teen while on duty several times, including in his patrol car and in the police station garage.

According to grand jury records, Reese admitted to having sex with the teen. He resigned from the Connellsville City Police Department right after his grand jury testimony in December.

• CLICK HERE to read the entire grand jury presentation (Warning: Graphic Content)

Reese is facing several charges, including forcible compulsion, unlawful contact with a minor and indecent sexual assault.

The Connellsville Police Department released a statement to Channel 11 News, which reads in part: "The Connellsville Police Department has cooperated fully with the investigation by the State Police and provided all information requested."

WPXI