A former Haines City police officer was arrested and charged with capital sexual battery after a lengthy standoff with a SWAT team Friday in Plant City.

James Francis Cunha, 44, currently employed as a public safety officer at Hillsborough Community College, was denied bond Saturday morning on 10 counts of sexual battery while having familial or custodial care and seven counts of lewd or lascivious molestation.

Just before 1 p.m., Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies responded to 3604 Tindale Rd. to investigate a sexual abuse call. The suspect, later identified Cunha, ran inside the home and barricaded himself with several weapons, according to the sheriff's office.

A SWAT team was called out, and after 5 1/2 hours, Cunha surrendered peacefully around 8:15 p.m.

"Due to the concern there were firearms in the residence, we took the other individuals were interviewing and got them out of the area and evacuated the neighbors for their safety," sheriff's office spokeswoman Col. Donna Lusczynski said. "We tried to maintain communication with (Cunha), eventually calling out SWAT team out."

Neighbor Chris Norman said the scene Friday was "something you see in the movies, basically."

"We looked out the window o see what was going on, and there were police everywhere - a SWAT team, basically armored vehicles and a lot of commotion," he said.

Cunha has worked at HCC since 2010. An official at the college said he underwent a background check before being hired and has not had any disciplinary issues on the job.



Cunha appeared before a judge Saturday. He shook his head and looked down as the judge read the 17 charges against him. Then the judge denied bond.

