Fort Myers Police captain at the center of a disturbing video now on administrative leave

The captain at the center of a disturbing video is now on administrative leave, months after an investigation began.

The video appears to show Fort Myers Police Department Captain Jay Rodriguez participating in a sex act during an 2013 undercover prostitution sting.

Connie Martin, who ran for City Council last year, says she learned of the video showing then-Lt. Jay Rodriguez purportedly engaging in sex acts during a prostitution sting — a couple of years ago.

“We want to hold our police to a higher standard,” Martin says. “I sure don’t want my tax dollars going for that type of behavior from anybody.”

The video didn’t surface until last week when posted to Vimeo. Rodriguez, working undercover, is seen naked in front of the camera, and then, off camera, seems to be heard participating in a sex act with a massage parlor worker.

And he does this minutes after she takes the money for the service.

Florida Gulf Coast University professor of forensic studies and 20 year law enforcement veteran David Thomas says an arrest should be made immediately following a payment transaction for a criminal activity.

“Once the money is exchanged, there’s a deal made,” Thomas explains. “But that didn’t happen. He actually allowed her to perform the sex act. So now they are both in violation of the law.”

She was arrested. Rodriguez was later promoted.

Records show he was placed on paid administrative leave on Monday, despite the investigation into the captain going on since at least December. The investigation opened after a complaint was filed by a former detective.

“The public, even Chief Diggs, has no idea what else this captain has done,” Thomas said.

Alleged corruption within the department was outlined in the Freeh report nearly two years ago. Two officers have been on paid leave in connection to this report since then.

Thomas said it sends a message, “The message it does send to the other officers is if you can get away with this, then you can get away with anything.”

“When the credibility of one especially is such a powerful position gets tarnished like this it makes you question everything.”

Attempts to reach Captain Rodriguez for comment have been unsuccessful.

The Fort Myers Police Department also haven’t answered our questions regarding the Freeh report progress or the status of officers placed on leave.