Detroit police officer accused of stealing explicit photos from woman's phone as she was detained

An officer with the Detroit Police Department is accused of stealing explicit photos from a woman's phone as she was detained, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Saturday.

Derond Crawford, 34, is charged with one count each of using a computer to commit a crime, misconduct in office and interfering with electronic communications in connection with the incident. 

Prosecutors allege that around 10:40 p.m. on March 3, Crawford conducted a traffic stop in the 17600 block of Mound Road for improper plates. While arresting the driver, a 22-year-old woman, on an outstanding warrant, prosecutors say Crawford accessed the driver's phone so that her mother could be contacted. 

Prosecutors say Crawford found and sent explicit photos and images of the victim to himself. When the phone was returned to the woman, she found the photos in emails that she had not sent, according to prosecutors. 

Prosecutors also allege that around 7:40 a.m. on March 4, Crawford went to the woman's home while he was on duty. The woman did not answer the door. 

A judge set Crawford's bond at $100,000. If he posts it, the prosecutor's office said he'll be required to wear a GPS tether and be under house arrest. He'll also be banned from using social media, a computer or device unless it's for work or court, contacting the woman or visiting her home, reaching out to witnesses and possessing weapons, firearms, tasers or pepper spray.

"It is hard to imagine what the defendant was thinking when he engaged in this alleged conduct. He did not have an articulable reason to even look into the phone in the first place and the steps he took after that intrusion were completely inappropriate," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy in a statement.   

Police said Crawford has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

"The alleged actions are concerning and do not represent the overwhelming majority of Detroit Police officers who maintain a high level of conduct and professionalism that they have sworn to uphold," the city agency said in a written statement.

Crawford is scheduled to appear at a probable cause conference on March 16, with a preliminary examination to follow on March 23.