UPDATED: 7:05 p.m.
Chief Inspector Carl Holmes was arrested Thursday morning. He has been indicted on nearly a dozen sexual assault-related charges, including aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and attempted deviant sexual intercourse.
The indictment involves at least three women — some of whom are presumably part of prior lawsuits against Holmes. In all, the city has shelled out more than $1 million in settlements for civil sexual harassment lawsuits involving Holmes, who has made his way up the ranks over the years.
According to the indictment, 54-year-old Holmes allegedly assaulted at least two female officers while on the job — one in a patrol car. The charges date back to 2004.
According to the allegations, Holmes would develop relationships with young female officers through his rank as a senior officer, coming off as a mentor.
When the female officers came to him for guidance, the indictment contends he would kiss and grope them against their will, and sexually assault them.
Internal Affairs has repeatedly investigated such claims, but Holmes was never fired or charged. Police Commissioner Christine Coulter said they will examine how Internal Affairs handles its investigations.
“It’s sickening to think of the things that are alleged, at least charged-wise, that are alleged to have happened,” she said. "I don’t know what new information came to the grand jury, but there were complaints against him in the past."
Another source told KYW Newsradio they believe this is the department's response to the #MeToo movement, and a lot of these allegations over the years are now unraveling.
Holmes joined the force in 1990, making him a 29-year veteran of the department. He’s spent the last few as chief inspector.
He is now is suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.
The police union, Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said they are not representing Holmes.
Coulter added a female commander is now reviewing related Internal Affairs allegations.
“We are always looking to improve the investigations and make sure we get the facts right,” she said. “At the end of the day, you need the cooperation of the person who is the victim, as well as anybody in the workplace that may have seen something or thought, ‘Oh well, it didn’t happen to me.’ We need folks to come forward.”
The district attorney’s office says they are continuing to investigate, and urge any victims to call their Special Investigations hotline 215-686-9608 or Women Organized Against Rape.
Holmes’ defense attorney declined to comment.