Cop in court for strip club visit

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A Metro Police officer appeared in court Friday to face charges of official misconduct. Marion County prosecutors say IMPD Sergeant Michael Forrest performed sex acts inside a strip club while he was on duty.

Forrest's initial appearance before a judge lasted just a few minutes. He was ordered to stay away from two witnesses involved in the case, then released on a non-cash bond. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

As he walked out of the courtroom, Forrest stayed silent, crossing his arms and facing the wall as he got on a nearby elevator.

With his attorney out of town, he refused to answer any questions from the media about allegations that he was caught on surveillance video inside the Sunset Strip Gentlemen's Club while on duty. IMPD says Forrest is seen on the video getting out of his squad car in uniform and walking into the club. Court documents allege Forrest paid for private dances at the club, then "unzipped his pants and exposed himself to the stripper." Metro Police investigators say the woman then continued to dance while Forrest “touched himself.”

Forrest faces a Class A misdemeanor charge of patronizing a prostitute. Because he was on duty at the time, he also faces a Class D felony charge of official misconduct.

Asked what role Forrest’s job would play in a potential trial, Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Mary Hutchison said it wouldn’t.

“He was charged with official misconduct because he was on duty at the time of the alleged incident. I can't talk about any of the specifics of the case, [but] we're going to treat this case like any other case. It was brought to IMPD via a complaint. They investigated it. They brought it to our office. It was filed in the same manner. And we plan to pursue it like we would any other case,” she said.

Forrest is also under investigation by IMPD's Professional Standard's Unit, and is suspended without pay. He will remain out on bond as long as he stays away from witnesses involved in the case, including the dancer allegedly involved in the private dances.

“There are no new restrictions while he's out on bond. He could not pick up any new offenses. With the no contact order, if he makes any kind of contact with the witnesses he's not allowed to, then his freedom might be restricted,” Hutchison said.

Forrest is scheduled to appear in court again on January 23rd.