Florida Police Officer Accused Of Filing Phony Child Abuse Report

LAKELAND, FL — A Florida police officer has been accused of filing a phony child abuse report as part of an ongoing custody battle, according to the Lakeland Police Department.

Forty-seven-year-old William Long was charged with one count of making a false report of child abuse, abandon or neglect to the Department of Children and Families in connection with a May 20 phone call he allegedly placed to the DCF Child Abuse Hotline.

"It was determined that on May 20, 2019, Officer William Long contacted the Department of Children and Families Child Abuse Hotline to report concerns of child abuse/child neglect while his child was in the care of a babysitter utilized by the child’s mother," Lakeland police said. "Officer Long used his personal cellular telephone to place the call, and a recording of the call was obtained by detectives who are familiar with Long and recognized his voice."

Police said Long asked to remain anonymous when he allegedly placed the call, which is a violation of Florida law.

"He stated he observed unexplained scratches on the child’s back and a puncture wound on his hand," officials said.

Lakeland police said Long was been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. He is paid an annual salary of $70,898.