Cop Says She Was Paid £22,000 To Quit Police After Colleagues Found Secret OnlyFans Page
A woman claims she was paid $30,000 (£22,270) to quit the police force after colleagues found her secret OnlyFans account.
Melissa Williams, from Colorado, set up her adult page in May 2020, posting racy photos of her and her husband.
However, the mum-of-two says after co-workers discovered what she was doing, they complained to her bosses.
And despite serving for some 28 years, Melissa says she was made to feel ashamed and forced out.
The 46-year-old said: "The complaint came totally out of the blue, I was in shock and panicking because I never wanted these two parts of my life to collide.
"Then I was angry and embarrassed because the notice went on to say how five colleagues of mine - all in lower and higher ranks than me - had obtained access to my paid account to access my private content so they could investigate my conduct.
"I didn’t feel that was professional or necessary. It felt like they all just wanted to see me naked. After their 'investigation' my images were shared widely around our local force and the jail staff.
"It was all being treated like hot gossip. That’s when I had to take time off with stress because I wasn’t sleeping, I couldn’t eat, it was so frustrating and upsetting.
"I didn’t consider my OnlyFans page to be a work matter."
Melissa and her husband had set up the account to spice up their love life and it was also seen as a fun way to let off some steam after working 60-hour weeks.
"I was never in uniform in any of my images. I used a fake persona – most of my fans think I’m a stay-at-home mum," said Melissa, who claims to make $4,000 (£2,964) a month from the subscription app.
"It felt like my bosses were policing my bedroom."
The situation badly affected her mental health and in August 2021, she was signed off work for 12 weeks with stress and anxiety and advised not to return.
Eventually, her legal team and the police agreed a severance package of $30,000.
But for Melissa, it wasn't about the money as she says she loved her job.
"Being a police officer was fulfilling, exciting work. I loved my job – but how could I go back to work in an environment like that?" she said.
"It was hard being a woman in the force. People have always been jealous of me because I am successful, attractive and confident."
One plus side of her no longer being a police officer, however, is that it has given her family some peace of mind.
Melissa said: "I didn’t want my career to end this way but it was also a blessing in disguise. I can sleep at night now and I feel 10 years younger without the stresses of police work.
"My family are glad they don’t have to worry about me not coming home."
And they are even supporting her OnlyFans career.
She added: "Now that my community knows about my secret life I am ready to own it.
"Thankfully, my family have been fine about it – my cousin was even cheering me on, telling me to ‘Get it girl'.
"My mum was shocked but she is understanding."
Dominic Smithers