Florida Police Officer Charged for Not Disclosing HIV Status

Pensacola officer accused of having sex without informing partner of HIV infection

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A 32-year-old Pensacola police officer named Pierce Cotton has been charged with a third-degree felony for allegedly having sexual intercourse with another person without disclosing that he has HIV. Cotton was arrested and released on a $10,000 bond as an internal affairs investigation is underway by the department.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of disclosure laws regarding sexually transmitted infections, as well as the potential consequences for law enforcement officers who violate the trust placed in them by the public. It also raises questions about the department's vetting and monitoring processes for officers' personal conduct.

The details

According to authorities, Cotton is accused of violating a Florida statute that makes it unlawful for a person with knowledge of their HIV-positive status to have sexual intercourse without informing their partner and obtaining consent. The Pensacola Police Department said Cotton is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal affairs investigation.

  • On March 14, 2026, Cotton was arrested and charged with the third-degree felony.

The players

Pierce Cotton

A 32-year-old police officer with the Pensacola Police Department who was charged with a third-degree felony for allegedly having sexual intercourse without disclosing his HIV-positive status.

Pensacola Police Department

The law enforcement agency that employed Cotton and is conducting an internal affairs investigation into the allegations against him.

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What’s next

The Pensacola Police Department said an internal affairs investigation is underway, and the judge will determine whether to allow Cotton to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious legal and ethical obligations for individuals with HIV to disclose their status before engaging in sexual activity. It also raises concerns about the vetting and oversight of law enforcement officers' personal conduct, which can have significant public safety implications.