A Florida police officer is facing a felony charge after a pregnant colleague allegedly found he had HIV only after she was already expecting his child.
Pierce Cotton, a 32-year-old officer with the Pensacola Police Department, is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship without disclosing that he had tested positive for HIV – a violation of Florida law that can carry serious criminal penalties.
According to authorities, Cotton has been charged under a Florida Statute which makes it a crime for a person who knows they are HIV-positive to have sexual intercourse without first informing their partner and obtaining consent.
The case took a dramatic turn when the woman who also works at the department discovered she was pregnant.
The report states that the mother of Cotton’s first child reached out to the pregnant woman after learning of the relationship.
She warned her to be concerned for her health after allegedly finding medication among Cotton’s belongings that is commonly prescribed for people living with HIV.
Investigators say they obtained screenshots of text messages between the woman and Cotton.
In those exchanges, when asked about his condition, Cotton allegedly replied: ‘I’m sick. It’s under control, and that’s been proven. You can’t contract it.’
Pierce Cotton, 32, a Pensacola police officer, has been charged with a third-degree felony under Florida law. The charge alleges he had sex without disclosing he was HIV-positive
Authorities say Cotton tested positive for HIV in July 2025. Investigators allege he began a sexual relationship with the woman in October 2025
The woman pressed further – ‘Sick with what?’
Cotton allegedly responded by telling her she had already tested negative and reassured her: ‘I made sure I was safe so as to keep you from getting it. You and the baby can’t get it from me.’
If a person is receiving treatment for HIV the levels of the virus in their system can be classified as ‘undetectable’. People whose status is undetectable cannot pass the virus on, even during unprotected sex. It is not known whether Cotton was undetectable.
Authorities later confirmed through medical records that months before the relationship began Cotton had tested positive for HIV in July 2025.
According to the arrest report, the relationship itself started to form in July 2025 and became romantic by October.
The two first had sex on October 14, 2025, records indicate with the woman falling pregnant shortly afterwards.
Investigators allege that Cotton did not disclose his HIV status for at least four months after the sexual relationship began.
The situation escalated publicly earlier this year when the couple shared news of the pregnancy online.
According to the report, the announcement alerted the mother of Cotton’s first child, ultimately triggering the chain of events that led to the criminal investigation.
Officer Cotton is seen during his during his swearing in ceremony in August 2020
Cotton’s received a commendation in 2023. The Life Saving Award was awarded to him after resuscitating a drowning victim at a hotel pool
Police say a search warrant was executed to obtain Cotton’s medical records from the Florida Department of Health, confirming his diagnosis and forming the basis of the felony charge.
The Pensacola Police Department has placed Cotton on administrative leave while an internal affairs investigation runs parallel to the criminal case.
Jail records show he was arrested and later released on a $10,000 bond.
If convicted of a third-degree felony, Cotton could face up to five years in prison.
