Tampa, Florida — A Tampa police officer has been fired and arrested after an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation uncovered what authorities describe as an unlawful relationship with a 16-year-old boy involving explicit communications, financial transactions, and allegations of providing marijuana to the minor.
Jonathan Darling, 31, was arrested June 15 by detectives with the Tampa Police Department and charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor, use of a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Upon his arrest, Darling was immediately relieved of duty and terminated from his position with the department. He had been employed by the Tampa Police Department since 2019.
According to investigators, the case began on May 15 when detectives assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Squad received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip involved suspicious online financial transactions between Darling and an individual believed to be a minor.
Detectives later confirmed that the victim was a 16-year-old boy. Once the allegations were substantiated, Darling was placed on administrative leave while investigators continued examining digital evidence and communications.
Investigators say Darling met the teenager through an adult location-based dating application. Electronic evidence allegedly revealed ongoing communication and financial exchanges between the two from December 2025 through March 2026. Authorities said the communications included explicit photographs of the minor, discussions of sexual activity, travel arrangements, and conversations related to obtaining marijuana for the teen.
According to police, forensic analysis also uncovered communications between Darling and a third party allegedly arranging for marijuana to be delivered to Darling’s residence for the minor. Investigators have not publicly identified the third party or announced whether additional arrests are expected.
Darling was arrested at his home without incident and transported to the Hillsborough County jail following the completion of the initial phase of the investigation. Authorities indicated that the investigation remains active and additional evidence is still being reviewed.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw sharply criticized the alleged conduct, stating that officers are entrusted with maintaining the highest standards of integrity and public trust.
“When you wear our badge, you are held to the highest standard of public trust,” Bercaw said in a statement released by the department. The chief added that the department’s primary concern remains the safety and well-being of the victim and that such conduct will not be tolerated.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the department and the community, particularly because the allegations involve a sworn law enforcement officer assigned to protect the public. The case also highlights the growing role of cyber tips and digital forensic investigations in identifying and prosecuting crimes involving minors.
CCSO deputy, who was a school resource officer, arrested after sending explicit photos
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