Del. trooper charged with sexual extortion

BEAR, Del. - May 11, 2009 - (WPVI) -- The Delaware State Police announced the arrest of one of their own Monday.

Cpl. Joshua A. Giddings, 32, was arrested and charged with Sexual Extortion, Receiving a Bribe and Official Misconduct after, authorities say, he engaged in inappropriate sexual relations with a 39-year-old New Castle woman.

Giddings is a seven year veteran of the force, and was assigned to Troop 9 in Odessa.

Investigators say, on March 19th, Giddings was dispatched to the JC Penney's store at the Christiana Mall for a report of a female shoplifter in custody. Giddings arrested the woman for shoplifting and other charges related to traffic offenses.

Instead of bringing her in, authorities say Giddings and the woman agreed that if she performed a sexual favor for him, Giddings would not take her to court, but instead would issue her a criminal summons to appear at a later date.

With the woman under arrest and in a police vehicle, investigators say Giddings drove her to a nearby secluded area and enagaged in a sexual act before driving her home.

Once the allegations came to light, Giddings was suspended with pay and benefits.

During the investigation, police say they found a clothing item with traces of Giddings' DNA on it.

An arrest warrant was issued, and Giddings turned himself in on Monday. He was issued an $8,000 unsecured bond.

Giddings has been placed on suspension without pay and benefits, and he will be dismissed from the force.

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