Cleveland policeman indicted after 'inappropriate relationship' with 17-year-old girl

ROCKY RIVER, OH (WOIO) - A Cuyahoga County Grand Jury has indicted a Cleveland police officer following a months-long investigation that reportedly involved an underage girl.

In February 2018, the Rocky River Police Department began investigating Cleveland police officer Thomas Tewell for allegedly having an "inappropriate relationship" with a 17-year-old girl, according to the city of Rocky River.

The investigation was sparked after the minor's parent filed a complaint with Cleveland Police.

Tewell, 32, was indicted on two counts:

Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles
Unauthorized Use of Property

An investigation was conducted by Rocky River police detectives with the support and cooperation of the Cleveland Police Internal Affairs Unit.

Tewell is scheduled to appear at the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on July 31 at 8:30 a.m.

Cleveland Police issued the following statement Tuesday night:

"On February 5, 2018 an allegation involving Patrol Officer Thomas A. Tewell #327 was brought to the attention of the Cleveland Division of Police. After reviewing the allegation, the case was referred to the Rocky River Police Department for investigation. Officer Tewell was placed on restricted duty with no contact with the public for the duration of the investigation."

Read the press release from the city of Rocky River here:

It's not yet clear what may have transpired between Tewell and the minor to prompt the investigation and indictment.

Return to Cleveland 19 for updates on this developing story.