A Lake Wales police sergeant has been arrested on charges of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.



Lake Wales police, with the assistance of Polk County Sheriff's deputies, arrested Aaron Woodford Barnes Tuesday night.



Barnes, 37, has been charged with four counts of sexual activity with certain minors and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was booked into the Polk County Jail and later released on a $20,500 bond.



An investigation began mid-morning on Tuesday after police received a tip that Barnes was involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor.



The girl told investigators she and Barnes began a relationship about a year ago and had sex multiple times.



Barnes, who has been with the department since May 2009, has been placed on paid administrative leave.



"I am extremely disappointed with the conduct of Aaron Barnes in this case," said Lake Wales Chief Chris Velasquez. "A child under the age of 18 cannot consent to any sexual activity with an adult of his age.



"I am thankful this was brought to our attention in order for us to address and take swift action. We hold our officers to the highest of standards and have an obligation to protect and serve whether we are on or off duty. We do not tolerate crime in Lake Wales and we certainly will not tolerate it within our department."

