PENSACOLA, Fla. — A local police officer faces serious legal consequences after being accused of engaging in sexual activity without disclosing his HIV-positive status to a woman, which he only revealed after she became pregnant and raised concerns about his health.
Pierce Cotton, 32, was arrested on March 13 on felony charges for allegedly violating Florida law, which requires individuals aware of their HIV status to inform sexual partners before engaging in intercourse. The woman involved, identified in public records as an employee of the Pensacola Police Department, reported her concerns to authorities, prompting the department to place Cotton on administrative leave and initiate an internal investigation.
Cotton and the woman reportedly began their relationship in October 2025. As their relationship developed, the officer did not disclose his HIV diagnosis. After discovering she was pregnant, the woman received alarming messages from a previous partner of Cotton. This prompted her to confront him about his health status. According to investigators, he provided misleading information, claiming he was ill, but insisted that he could not transmit the virus.
The investigation escalated after the woman sought clarity regarding Cotton’s health. Subsequently, police obtained medical records indicating that Cotton had tested positive for HIV in July 2025. Prosecutors will need to establish not only that he was aware of his diagnosis but that he understood the risks associated with sexual activity. As of now, there are no updates on whether the woman contracted HIV or if any other potential victims have been identified.
Florida law specifically prohibits individuals with HIV from engaging in sexual activities without informing their partners. The charge against Cotton is classified as a third-degree felony. Following his arrest, he was booked into jail and released on a $10,000 bond. The police department’s public communication on the matter was concise, acknowledging the charge and the placement of Cotton on leave, while withholding additional details as the internal review progresses.
The incident raises significant concerns within the Pensacola Police Department, as it highlights the potential complications arising from personal relationships among coworkers. The intersection of personal disclosure and workplace dynamics places additional scrutiny on how the agency handles such sensitive matters internally. The woman’s role as a police department employee adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Cotton is expected to appear for arraignment soon, which will determine whether the case will proceed to potential plea negotiations or a more prolonged legal battle. Prosecutors will likely focus on the timeline of the medical records, as well as the woman’s experience of when she learned about Cotton’s condition. The defense may contest the case on the grounds of the law’s applicability and the evidence pertaining to disclosure.
As the case unfolds, it remains in its early stages, with both a criminal charge filed and an internal review still ongoing. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Cotton’s future but also for the reputation of the police department, as it grapples with the challenges of maintaining professional ethics in the face of personal misconduct.