A Pennsylvania police corporal has been fired from his job and also charged with rape after he allegedly offered to drop a woman's DUI charge if she had sex with him. The 22-year police veteran is now being held in the Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of a $50,000 bail. His former boss, Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department Chief Wagner, announced the arrest and charges of rape and other sexual offenses, as well as bribery and official oppression.

DUI Charge Turns Terrifying

According to the police report, on October 16, 2019, Mertz pulled over a 26-year-old woman for a traffic violation. The woman failed a roadside field sobriety test and was taken to a Pennsylvania State police station for a blood draw. Afterward, Mertz was told to drive her home as she was not going to appear in court that night. As they approached her house, the 53-year-old Mertz allegedly suggested that he would drop the DUI charge if they could “go someplace more private” to talk.

The victim then indicated to Mertz that she understood that a sexual favor was going to be expected in turn for dropping the DUI charge, and she told police later she felt desperate to have the DUI charge dismissed. Mertz then drove to a cul-de-sac at the end of the victim's street and raped her while still in uniform.

After the Assault

When she got home, the victim called a friend, who suggested she preserve DNA evidence from the assault and file a report. Hours later, Mertz then sent the victim several text messages, some of which were sexually explicit in nature, according to the police affidavit. When the victim asked if he had told anyone about what had happened, he allegedly replied, "That's our secret. No telling anyone."

Mertz is due to appear in court again next month.

DUI Defense Attorney Steve Karimi

Being charged with a DUI can be extremely stressful and frightening. You might feel desperate to do anything to get out of the charge, and when a police officer abuses his power, the outcome can be devastating. In this situation, it is shameful that the victim was not allowed to call a friend or family member to pick her up from the police station so that she did not have to be subjected to the officer's misuse of power.

If you have been charged with a DUI, you need the experienced legal representation of Steve Karimi. Steve Karimi is a former prosecutor who now works to defend those in the Seattle area who have been charged with a DUI. Call the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today at 206-621-8777 to get started on a free consultation, or fill out an online form.