According to a report in the Indianapolis Star, A police officer from Indianapolis was taken into custody late Tuesday in Hendricks County in connection with accusations of sexual misconduct.

The officer, 35-year-old Kamal Bola, faces multiple charges, including public voyeurism and three counts of child molestation. One of the charges alleges that Bola committed the crime while armed or using deadly force.

The investigation began on September 3 after authorities were alerted to the presence of a hidden camera discovered in a young girl’s bedroom. During the inquiry, further allegations of molestation came to light.

Upon learning that Bola was an off-duty officer, Indianapolis’ Special Investigations unit stepped in to handle the case. According to reports, when Bola was arrested, he admitted to purchasing the camera but claimed to have disposed of it once contacted by police. Investigators, however, found a broken camera behind his property.

During questioning, Bola also informed detectives that nude photos of the juvenile would likely be found on his phone.

Chief Chris Bailey, upon being informed of the situation, swiftly suspended Bola and announced that he would recommend the officer’s termination to the Civilian Police Merit Board.

“The allegations against this officer are both alarming and entirely unacceptable,” Bailey stated. “We hold our officers to the highest standards, both in their professional and personal lives. This incident represents a deep violation of the community’s trust in law enforcement. Our hearts go out to the victim and their family, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Bola, a six-year veteran recently assigned to the Southwest District, is being held without bond.

This marks the fourth time in 2024 that an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer has been arrested on charges related to sex crimes. Earlier this year, officers Javed Richards, Myron Howard, and Paul Humphrey were also arrested on similar allegations. 

Richards, in August, was charged with 13 counts of child exploitation and one count of possessing child pornography. Howard was arrested in April after being accused of sexually assaulting two women during separate emergency calls. In January, Humphrey was charged with sexually abusing a 15-year-old. All three cases are still pending.

Professor Phil Stinson of Bowling Green State University, who tracks officer misconduct, previously expressed concern about the frequency of such arrests nationwide. “We’re seeing officers charged with child pornography offenses several times a month, and it’s deeply troubling,” Stinson said.

Data collected by Stinson’s team indicates that between 2005 and 2018, 62 officers in Indiana were arrested for sexual misconduct. He noted that some of the same characteristics that make police officers effective–such as a willingness to take risks–could also drive them toward criminal behavior.