BOISE, Idaho — A former Caldwell police sergeant was arrested in Tennessee on Tuesday, indicted on charges of sexually abusing women and exchanging favorable police treatment for sexual favors.
Ryan Bendawald, 41, was indicted in Idaho. He was arraigned in Tennessee on Tuesday morning.
7 Investigates first reported these allegations in March of 2022 as the FBI investigated Bendawald and other Caldwell officers.
According to the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho, Bendawald is accused of violating at least seven women's civil rights and abusing his position as a law enforcement officer between at least 2017 and 2021.
The U.S. Attorney for Idaho cites court documents showing Bendawald engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with those women while carrying out his official duties.
"Bendawald is also alleged to have exchanged and offered to exchange favorable police treatment for sex and sexual favors," a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office states.
Bendawald resigned from Caldwell PD in November of 2021 amid the years-long FBI investigation into the department.
The former sergeant is charged with two felony counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, five felony counts of federal program bribery and one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights under color of law. If he's found guilty on all charges, he faces up to life in prison.
Another high-ranking Caldwell officer, Joey Hoadley, was convicted of three federal felonies last fall, including falsifying a record in a federal investigation, tampering with a witness by harassment, and tampering with documents. The former lieutenant was sentenced to three months in federal prison.
Hoadley served on the Street Crimes Unit with Bendawald and his case also stemmed from the FBI investigation into misconduct within the police department. Hoadley is currently appealing his conviction.
Warning: The full indictment below includes some graphic details:
Caldwell Chief of Police Rex Ingram sent out the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
To the Citizens of the City of Caldwell,
Today, in the District of Idaho, an indictment was unsealed charging Ryan Bendawald, a former Caldwell Police Department employee, with two felony counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, five felony counts of federal program bribery, and one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The conduct Mr. Bendawald is accused of engaging in does not reflect the mission and vision of the Caldwell Police Department and is contrary to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
The police profession is a noble and honorable calling that requires the highest level of integrity, honesty, dedication, and a commitment to serve. Now, more than ever, law enforcement officers are the nation's most valuable assets for ensuring peace and safety for all. The acts alleged in this indictment do not embody the bravery, integrity, and resilience of our men and women serving across this country.
The Caldwell Police Department has unified behind a concerted effort to renew and restore the cornerstones of a successful police agency. From relationships with surrounding agencies, to public trust, to internal culture – our purpose here at the Caldwell Police Department is more pointed and focused than ever before.
Our Mission Statement, adopted February 27, 2023, provides: The mission of the Caldwell Police Department is to preserve peace and safety while pursuing justice with compassion and respect; to guard the life, property, and constitutional rights of all; to encourage individual responsibility; and to promote community involvement.
We will continue to cooperate with the Department of Justice and trust that the process will ensure justice is served. The City of Caldwell and the Caldwell Police Department request that all questions about the investigation be directed to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho.
As the Chief of Police, I am thankful for the continuing support of our community and law enforcement partners. I am confident in that support both now and in the future. I am proud of the men and women currently serving in our police department. I know that they are commendable, honest, admirable, and committed to the preservation of peace, the pursuit of justice, and the safeguarding of the lives, wellbeing, and dignity of the citizens of Caldwell.
Sincerely,
Rex R. Ingram
Chief of Police
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