Police officer charged with sexual battery

Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree today announced that a charge of sexual battery has been filed against a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer. (Photo by William Crum)

by William Crum

A Kansas City, Kansas, police officer who was formerly assigned to a former mayor has been charged with sexual battery, according to Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark A. Dupree Sr.

The charge is a misdemeanor, according to court documents.

Dupree, at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, said Steven Rios, the police officer, is currently on leave. Rios was formerly assigned to former Mayor Mark Holland, according to Dupree.

According to the charges filed in Wyandotte County District Court, Rios was accused of unlawfully touching a person who was 16 or more years of age and who did not consent on or about March 9, 2018. The victim is a civilian police employee.

The offense carries a possible sentence of six months and a $1,000 fine.

Dupree said Rios is innocent until proven guilty.