A 28-year-old Georgia woman has come forward with allegations that a police officer sexually assaulted her while she was in custody, describing the incident as life-altering and calling for accountability.
The woman, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, said the encounter began earlier this month after she stopped at a gas station following an argument with her mother and a flat tire.
Officers from the South Fulton Police Department responded to a call about a suspicious person, and Officer Michael Cochran arrested her on an outstanding warrant.
According to the woman’s account, instead of taking her directly to jail, the officer allegedly drove her to a nearby construction site, where he turned off his body camera and demanded a sexual act.
“She said no. He did what he did,” the woman recounted in an emotional interview.
The alleged victim said she feared for her life during the encounter, noting the officer was armed. After the incident, she said she was returned to the patrol vehicle and transported to jail, where she later confided in another inmate who reported the allegation to authorities.
Reflecting on the incident, the woman described the emotional toll.
“I feel worthless… I don’t think I will ever be able to get over this,” she said. “I walk in faith, but I don’t even know where that is.”
She also alleged that the officer instructed her not to report the assault before reactivating his body camera.
Authorities have since arrested Michael Cochran, who now faces charges including first-degree sexual assault and violation of oath.
Officials say he has waived his initial court appearance, and the South Fulton Police Department has initiated termination proceedings.
The case has raised renewed concerns about accountability and oversight within law enforcement, particularly regarding the use of body cameras and the treatment of individuals in custody.
The woman said she is now seeking protection and justice.
“I’m asking for protection,” she said. “He needs to lose everything.”
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
