Nashville, TN — A former Nashville police officer has been sentenced to probation on a charge of felony official misconduct after law enforcement officials discovered he allegedly participated in an adult video while on duty.
Details of the Charge and Sentence
According to court documents filed on Thursday, Sean Herman, 35, entered a “best interest” plea in Nashville criminal court for one count of felony official misconduct. A second count was dismissed as part of the agreement. Herman was sentenced to one year of supervised probation, during which time he must adhere to the conditions set by the court.
“The best interest plea means that a defendant pleads guilty while maintaining factual innocence of the crime,” according to court records.
In addition to probation, Herman was granted judicial diversion, meaning that if he successfully completes his probation, his case may be dismissed, and he can request expungement of the charges from his record.
Incident and Video Discovery
Herman was fired in May 2024 after detectives with the Specialized Investigations Divisions identified him in a video posted on OnlyFans, a website where fans pay to access content. The video depicted Herman, while on duty, participating in a mock traffic stop in his Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) uniform.
The skit reportedly showed Herman groping the female driver, which led to his arrest and two charges in June 2024.
According to a Metropolitan Nashville Police Department press release, the video was filmed on April 26, 2024, in a warehouse parking lot while Herman was on duty as a patrol officer.
Consequences for Herman’s Certification and Future Employment
In August 2024, the Tennessee state board indefinitely suspended Herman’s law enforcement certification. The suspension is in effect until the criminal case is resolved, though Herman may later petition to have his certification reinstated.
Legal and Professional Repercussions
Herman’s case has garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and its impact on public trust in law enforcement. The Nashville Police Department has made it clear that such misconduct will not be tolerated within its ranks.
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