Iacampo Takes Plea Agreement, Felony Sexual Battery Charge Dropped

October 7, 2024 by Amy Patterson

Former Chester Police officer Nick Iacampo pleaded guilty to a first-degree misdemeanor charge of contributing to the unruliness of a minor in the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas Oct. 7 after Lake County prosecutors agreed to waive a third-degree felony sexual battery charge.

Visiting Portage County Judge John Enlow sentenced Iacampo to a six-month suspended jail term and one year of probation — meaning Iacampo will not see jail time unless he violates the terms of the sentencing. Iacampo also received a $1,000 fine, of which $900 was waived.

Lake County Assistant Prosecutor Adam Downing said Iacampo’s peace officer certification will be forfeited and as part of his plea deal, he has agreed to never seek work as a peace officer again.

He will also be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, Enlow said during sentencing.

The victim, identified only by the initials “D.M.,” was invited to make a statement before the court. She began by thanking Iacampo for his support during a time when she was dealing with a frightening medical condition that caused her to frequently lose consciousness up to five times a day for up to 20 minutes at a time.

“Going through all those episodes and doctors appointments and whatnot, I was feeling very lonely. I felt that I was on an island by myself in the dark, every second of the day,” D.M. said. “You were right there with my family helping me go through all of this. We went through it all together. And I also called you my best friend.”

D.M. said Iacampo and the school nurse got her through the school year, even when people made fun of her or accused her of faking her illness or being on drugs. Being passed out and unconscious for periods of time meant her life was in his hands, the victim said.

“You were a police officer. I talked to you about anything and everything because I thought I was able to trust you,” she said. “Growing up, I was raised to trust police officers. I was also told that you guys weren’t the bad guys. You guys were the ones to stop the bad guys and protect people like me. You took my trust for you to a whole different level.”

If it hadn’t been for her brother and his friend finding her with Iacampo the night of Aug. 6, 2023, D.M. said she didn’t know what would have happened.

“The fact I trusted you with everything, then a year ago, on August 6, you put your hands on me, is horrific. When you told me that you would keep it a secret against your own wife, telling me she won’t find out if we both stay quiet, Nick, that’s disgusting. I don’t know what human in the right mind, or so I thought, would ever say those things,” she said.

In an emotional statement, the victim’s mother described the night of the assault, when D.M. and her brother tried to explain what had happened in the parking lot of the Church of the Blessed Hope on Wilson Mills Road in Chester Township, where she was found with Iacampo. D.M. and her brother were panicking and crying, her mother said, but were mortified by what had happened.

“That night will forever be engraved in our heads. A mother should never have to see her daughter throwing up, holding her head from the worst headache of her life, zoned out, but then uncontrollably sobbing, having a rape kit performed and really contemplating her life. I don’t wish that on any parent,” she said.

D.M.’s mother said her daughter had night terrors and episodes of self-harm after the incident, but said she is proud of her for coming out of everything that has happened as a better person.

“She is stronger and bigger than you will ever be,” D.M.’s mother told Iacampo. “Her own personal issues already held her back enough, took a year from her childhood. But then the disrespect, dishonesty and disgusting behavior on your part took another incredibly important part of my daughter’s childhood.”

In a statement at the end of the hearing, Iacampo said he took full responsibility for his actions last August.

“I do regret every decision made that day and will continue to do so, going forward in my future. I have lost my career as a police officer and the trust of those closest to me as a result. I have worked countless hours every day since then to rebuild my relationships and get my life back on track. I know my actions contributed to the victim and her family for feeling so much anxiety, and for that, I truly am sorry,” he said.

Ian Friedman, Iacampo’s defense attorney, said the loss of his profession is a “heavy penalty,” but that the plea deal is the correct resolution to the case. 

“This was a profession Mr. Iacampo took great pride in, had a lot of good commendations for the work that he did while an officer and he’s now given that up and will not be seeking — will not be able to be in his profession again — the profession that he wanted since as far back as he can remember,” Friedman said.

D.M. said while what happened will be with her forever, she will not let it hold her back for the rest of her life.

“In fact, my life is just now starting after today and yours is over. There is no coming back after what you have done,” she told Iacampo. “Look, we switched roles. I’m the one saving and helping people, what the Chester Township Police Department was hoping you would do.”