Florida Police Officer Faces Felony Charge Over HIV Disclosure to Pregnant Colleague
A police officer in Florida is confronting a serious felony charge after a pregnant colleague reportedly discovered he had HIV only after she was already expecting his child. Pierce Cotton, a 32-year-old officer with the Pensacola Police Department, is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship without informing his partner about his HIV-positive status, a direct violation of Florida law that carries significant criminal penalties.
Legal Violation and Criminal Charges
According to authorities, Cotton has been charged under a Florida Statute that criminalises sexual intercourse by individuals who know they are HIV-positive without first disclosing their condition and obtaining consent from their partner. This case took a dramatic turn when the woman, who also works at the department, found out she was pregnant. The report indicates that the mother of Cotton's first child contacted the pregnant woman after learning about the relationship, warning her to be concerned for her health after allegedly finding medication among Cotton's belongings commonly prescribed for people living with HIV.
Investigation and Evidence
Investigators obtained screenshots of text messages between the woman and Cotton. In these exchanges, when questioned about his condition, Cotton allegedly replied, 'I'm sick. It's under control, and that's been proven. You can't contract it.' The woman pressed further, asking, 'Sick with what?' Cotton then responded by telling her she had already tested negative and reassured her, 'I made sure I was safe so as to keep you from getting it. You and the baby can't get it from me.'
Authorities later confirmed through medical records that Cotton had tested positive for HIV in July 2025, months before the relationship began. According to the arrest report, the relationship started to form in July 2025 and became romantic by October, with the two first having sex on October 14, 2025, and the woman falling pregnant shortly afterwards. Investigators allege that Cotton did not disclose his HIV status for at least four months after the sexual relationship commenced.
Public Escalation and Internal Actions
The situation escalated publicly earlier this year when the couple shared news of the pregnancy online. This announcement alerted the mother of Cotton's first child, ultimately triggering the chain of events that led to the criminal investigation. Police executed a search warrant to obtain Cotton's medical records from the Florida Department of Health, confirming his diagnosis and forming the basis of the felony charge.
The Pensacola Police Department has placed Cotton on administrative leave while an internal affairs investigation runs parallel to the criminal case. Jail records show he was arrested and later released on a $10,000 bond. If convicted of this third-degree felony, Cotton could face up to five years in prison.
Background and Context
Officer Cotton, seen during his swearing-in ceremony in August 2020, had previously received a commendation in 2023. The Life Saving Award was awarded to him after resuscitating a drowning victim at a hotel pool, highlighting a stark contrast to his current legal predicament. This case underscores the serious implications of HIV disclosure laws in Florida and the personal and professional consequences for those who violate them.
