Two Tampa police officers submitted their resignations following an internal investigation that concluded they engaged in sexual activity with an emergency communications operator while on duty. Officers Nevin Morales and Ryan Fagan violated multiple department policies during the incidents, which took place in 2025. The investigation was launched after a complaint reached the Tampa Police Department’s Professional Standards Bureau, alleging that three officers had been meeting with the dispatcher for sexual encounters during work hours.

Both officers’ law enforcement certifications were forwarded to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in April for review. The state agency now holds the authority to potentially revoke their professional credentials. The investigation summary was released following a public records request, revealing the extent of the misconduct that compromised department standards and operational integrity.

Emergency communications operator admits to July encounter

The unnamed emergency communications operator confirmed during the investigation that she met with Officer Morales for sexual activity on July 22, 2025. She stated the encounter occurred inside an SUV. Investigators uncovered text messages between the two that appeared to confirm the meeting. In one message, Morales allegedly wrote, “Best place to do it now I have more room in this new car.” The operator told investigators that Morales subsequently arrived in a Ford Explorer that differed from his regular patrol vehicle.

When interviewed, Morales denied all allegations. He stated the operator never entered his vehicle and claimed he didn’t remember sending the message in question. He suggested investigators might have taken his words out of context. However, investigators noted that a supervisor had witnessed the operator getting into Morales’ SUV. Morales was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for either the alleged message or how it could have been misinterpreted.

Second officer admits close contact but disputes sexual nature

Officer Fagan acknowledged “having close personal contact” with the same emergency communications operator during his interview with investigators. He maintained that he did not view the interaction as sexual in nature. Investigators disagreed with his characterization after reviewing sexually explicit messages exchanged between the two. The evidence contradicted Fagan’s attempt to minimize the nature of their relationship.

Additional violations compounded Fagan’s case. Investigators determined he left a special assignment post unstaffed, despite being only two miles from where the operator worked. He also placed his body-worn camera on sleep mode, preventing any recording of his activities. This action raised additional concerns about deliberate attempts to conceal his conduct. The combination of abandoned duty responsibilities and disabled recording equipment demonstrated a pattern of behavior designed to facilitate the misconduct.

Investigation timeline and departmental response

Both officers were placed on administrative leave during the investigation’s progression. The department moved swiftly to separate them from active duty while gathering evidence and conducting interviews. Fagan resigned from the Tampa Police Department in February, while Morales submitted his resignation the following month in March. The resignations came before the investigation’s official conclusion and the potential for formal disciplinary actions.

• Investigation launched after complaint to Professional Standards Bureau
• Supervisor witnessed operator entering Morales’ vehicle
• Text messages between officers and operator recovered
• Both officers placed on leave during investigation
• Certifications sent to state agency for potential revocation

The third officer initially accused of meeting with the same operator was cleared of all allegations. He remains employed with the Tampa Police Department. Investigators found insufficient evidence to support the claims made against the third individual, distinguishing his case from those of Morales and Fagan.

Union representative characterizes case as poor judgment

Brandon Barclay, president of the Tampa Police Benevolent Association, commented on the investigation’s findings. He described the entire case as unusual and attributed much of the situation to poor judgment by those involved. His assessment avoided defending the specific actions while acknowledging the complexity of the circumstances that led to the resignations. The union’s position reflects the difficult balance between supporting members and maintaining professional standards.

The case highlights ongoing challenges within law enforcement agencies regarding personal conduct during duty hours. The investigation exposed vulnerabilities in supervision and accountability systems designed to prevent such incidents. The Tampa Police Department faces questions about how officers were able to leave their assigned posts and engage in personal activities without immediate detection. The involvement of an emergency communications operator adds another layer of concern about professional boundaries within public safety agencies.

Potential consequences extend beyond resignations

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s review of both officers’ certifications could result in permanent career consequences. Revocation of law enforcement certification would prevent them from serving as police officers anywhere in Florida. The state agency examines cases involving moral character violations and serious policy breaches when determining whether to maintain, suspend, or revoke professional credentials.

The investigation’s outcome serves as a reminder of the standards expected from law enforcement personnel. Officers hold positions of public trust and must maintain professional conduct both on and off duty. The Tampa Police Department’s decision to forward the certifications for state review demonstrates a commitment to accountability. The case also raises questions about screening and supervision practices that might prevent similar incidents in the future. Department leadership now faces the task of rebuilding public confidence while implementing any necessary policy changes to address vulnerabilities exposed by the investigation.