(WWJ) – A former sheriff's deputy in Hillsdale County has been charged with misconduct in office for allegedly exploiting his position as a law enforcement officer to coerce a woman into a sexual relationship.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is asking any other potential victims of Todd Barkley to come forward after he was arraigned on Tuesday.
The AG’s office says the 46-year-old Barkley, of Brownstown Township, arranged for a woman to be treated for substance use disorder at a rehab facility in Kentucky.
He then allegedly “used his badge to take the woman out of the facility for the day for the purposes of engaging in sex,” Nessel’s office said.
Law enforcement in Kentucky are also investigating Barkley.
Officials did not say when the alleged incident happened or why she was taken to Kentucky.
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“Law enforcement officers that abuse their authority and violate the public’s trust must be held accountable” Nessel said. “The Department of Attorney General is a haven for those who have been exploited or victimized, and I encourage those with similar stories to come forward and report their experiences.”
Barkley is facing two five-year felonies. Given his position as a deputy with the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsdale County judges recused themselves and the case will be heard by a Jackson County judge.
His next court date is set for July 8.
