CMPD Officer Arrested for Extortion & Disclosure of Private Images

Published on August 05, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. - (August 5, 2024) – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is conducting a criminal investigation that resulted in the arrest of CMPD Officer Joel Medina. Officer Medina has been charged with one count of felony Extortion and one count of felony Disclosure of Private Images.

On Monday, August 5, Detectives with CMPD’s Special Victims Division interviewed Officer Medina at the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) in Uptown (601 E. Trade St.). At the conclusion of the interview, Officer Medina was taken into custody and transported to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators determined that the incident occurred outside of work and did not involve the functions of his job.

CMPD Internal Affairs is conducting a parallel investigation. Officer Medina is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation.

Officer Medina was hired on February 28, 2022, and is currently assigned to the Eastway Division.

For additional information, please refer to report: 20240214-1126-02

Statement from Chief Jennings:

“I am disheartened by the recent arrest of Officer Medina. An officer’s arrest is not just a personal failure but a breach of public trust. The trust of our community is paramount, and we will not tolerate any conduct that undermines that trust. I’m proud of the diligent and thorough work by our detectives who investigated this case. Our badge gives us the authority to enforce the law, not immunity from the law. This arrest is a necessary step to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of our department.”

###