Winter Haven police officer accused of having sex with 17-year-old

A 39-year-old Winter Haven police officer was arrested Saturday and charged with having sex with a 17-year-old girl.

Winter Haven police received a tip at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday about the relationship between the girl and officer William Kenna, a five-year member of the police department. Officers found the two together alone in a room and contacted the Polk County Sheriff's Office to handle the investigation.

Both Kenna and the girl denied having sex at that time. But both eventually told investigators they had consensual sex about four to five months ago at Kenna's previous home in Winter Haven, according to an arrest affidavit.

Deputies arrested Kenna at around 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

In her interviews with deputies, the teen said she and Kenna have known each other for a year and a half. She said the two discussed personal problems and often turned to each other for advice.

Kenna resigned from the police department in lieu of termination. He was hired as a officer on June 11, 2012.

"Our officers are expected to conduct themselves with honor and dignity and provide professional service to our citizens," Winter Haven Police Chief Charlie Bird said in a statement. "The decision Kenna made goes against everything the men and women of our agency stand for."

He has been booked into Polk County Jail and his first appearance before a judge is scheduled for Sunday at 8 a.m.