A former Haines City police officer could spend the rest of his life behind bars after three children accused him of sexual battery.
James Cunha, 44, is a former Haines City police officer, but currently serves as a lead public safety officer at Hillsborough Community College's Plant City campus.
Cunha was arrested Friday following a lengthy standoff with a SWAT team in Plant City. Deputies say that when they arrived at the home to investigate a sexual abuse call, Cunha ran inside and barricaded himself with several weapons. Cunha surrendered more than five hours later.
The arrest report details the allegations against Cunha. The three boys say he raped them, performed sex acts on them, and forced them to do the same things to him. The boys also said over the last year he has also forced them to have sex with each other.
Deputies say Cunha threatened the children with violence if they told on him.
Two of the victims are teenagers. The other is under the age of 12.
Cunha is charged with capital sexual battery, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted. He is being held without bond.
HCC will not comment on his employment status citing an active investigation.