John Knight, a Seattle police officer assigned to the Training and Education Section, has been suspended without pay after charges were filed in King County Superior Court alleging that he assaulted at least two employees by groping them.

The criminal allegations were brought to light during an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) investigation into John Knight’s conduct, during which time he had been administratively reassigned to home. The allegations were turned over to the Special Victims Crimes Section for criminal investigation, which subsequently referred the case to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges.

The department is keeping the criminal investigation open and is encouraging other employees who may have had similar experiences with John Knight to come forward.

SPD is also reviewing prior EEO cases involving this employee, which date back to 2009.