DC police officer accused of touching coworkers without their consent

(FOX 5 DC)

A D.C. police officer is facing several assault charges for allegedly touching multiple coworkers without their consent. 

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, 51-year-old Robert A. Anderson, of Hanover, Maryland, was on-duty when he approached at least three female coworkers and touched them without their consent in January and February 2019. 

Police say on Jan. 14, one of the assaults occurred at the MPD Fifth District station, which is located in the 1800 block of Bladensburg Road, NE. 

Two of the assaults occurred at the MPD Fourth District station, which is located in the 6000 block of Georgia Ave. NW, on Feb. 2 and Feb. 5, according to police. 

During the assault that occurred on Feb. 5, police say Anderson also "threatened another victim." 

On Wednesday, Anderson was arrested and charged with five counts of simple assault. His police powers have been revoked and "in a duty status that does not require him to interact with the public." 

“The Metropolitan Police Department does not condone any criminal or immoral conduct by an employee,” said Chief of Police Peter Newsham in a press release. “Officer Anderson’s actions are disgraceful and not a representation of the men and women of this agency.”

Police say Anderson has been employed with the MPD since 1990 and is assigned to the Fifth District.