A former Milwaukie police officer's career ended in disgrace after admitting to sexual misconduct with an intoxicated woman he was supposed to help following a car crash. According to the Daily Mail, David McVeigh, 35, entered a no-contest plea that will allow him to keep his record clean if he completes community service.
The incident occurred in November 2019 when McVeigh responded to assist a woman who had driven her car off the road while intoxicated. After arranging a tow truck, he drove her to her apartment, where he pressured her into performing oral sex, making her believe she could avoid getting a ticket.
The victim did not report the assault until 2021 during an unrelated domestic violence case, when she revealed being coerced by an officer named "David" two years prior. Initially, investigators struggled to locate her for an interview, causing the case to go dormant temporarily.
Pattern of Concerning Behavior Emerges
McVeigh came under renewed scrutiny in September 2022 after being accused of stalking a woman in a casino parking lot at 3 AM during a police training event. Though he claimed he was only trying to sell rare liquor, his chief found the behavior troubling given the earlier allegations.
The casino incident prompted investigators to track down the original crash victim, who still had McVeigh's personal phone number. Dispatch records supported her account of the 2019 assault, leading to formal charges in early 2023.
Police Chief Luke Strait placed McVeigh on leave immediately after the casino incident raised red flags about his conduct. The officer was fired from the Milwaukie Police Department shortly after charges were filed in March 2023.
Department's Earlier Praise Now Rings Hollow
Just two years after the sexual misconduct occurred, the Milwaukie Police Department had publicly celebrated McVeigh on social media. They highlighted his community service work, such as clearing fallen trees and helping elderly residents with firewood delivery.
The department's Facebook post praising his "extra mile" service has aged poorly in light of the misconduct revelations. Their glowing tribute touted actions they called "uncommonly seen" while unaware of his predatory behavior.
The timing of their praise makes the situation particularly awkward, as it came while McVeigh's victim had yet to come forward about the assault. The post remains an uncomfortable reminder of how his true actions contradicted his public image.
Legal Resolution and Aftermath
In January 2025, McVeigh reached a plea agreement requiring 150 hours of community service and permanent surrender of his police license. If he completes the service hours by January 2026, his case will be dismissed.
Neither McVeigh nor his legal representation has commented publicly on the case or plea deal. The Milwaukie Police Department has also declined to respond to media inquiries about their former officer's misconduct.
The resolution provides some closure but raises questions about police accountability and victim protection. McVeigh's ability to avoid a permanent record despite admitting to sexual coercion while on duty has drawn criticism from victim advocates.
Final Outcome Reflects Broader Issues
The case highlights ongoing concerns about police misconduct and accountability nationwide. McVeigh's ability to maintain a clean record despite serious misconduct while in uniform has sparked debate about whether plea deals in such cases serve justice.
His firing and license surrender ensure he can no longer serve as a police officer, though some argue the punishment should have been more severe. The case adds to discussions about proper screening and oversight of law enforcement personnel.
The victim's delayed reporting also illustrates common challenges in addressing police misconduct, as fear and power dynamics often prevent immediate reporting. Her eventual disclosure during an unrelated matter reflects how victims may need time and safety to come forward.
