From the Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — A Birmingham police officer was arrested on rape and drug charges on Sunday, according to Sgt. Rodarius Mauldin. The arrest follows a complaint and internal criminal investigation of officer Matthew Wilcox.
“On Friday, July 2, 2021, The Birmingham Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division received a complaint involving allegations of sexual misconduct involving an officer,” Mauldin said. “Immediate actions were taken and an internal criminal investigation was launched.”
During the investigation a search warrant was executed at the residence of Officer Matthew Wilcox by the Birmingham Police Department’s Tactical Operations Precinct, Special Victim’s Unit, along with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office Investigators.
According to Mauldin, the search warrant yielded illegal narcotics, multiple firearms and drug paraphernalia.
Mauldin said Wilcox was immediately relieved of duties and questioned by investigators.
Wilcox was taken into custody and transported to the Birmingham City Jail after being charged with first degree rape, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, second degree unlawful possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Formal charges will be forthcoming from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.
Wilcox has been with the Birmingham Police Department since October of 2019. Wilcox was previously assigned to the Patrol Division prior to the launch of this investigation.
“The Birmingham Police Department will hold all officers accountable and continue to implement high moral and ethical standards for all who serve the City of Birmingham,” Mauldin said.
