New video shows interview of APD officer accused of groping woman

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A recent release of video footage has shed light on a troubling incident involving Albuquerque police officer Liam King, who was accused of soliciting sexual favors while on duty in 2023. During an interview, King explained his actions, stating he approached the victim while she was sitting on a curb, claiming he was simply bored and wanted to talk. However, the incident report reveals a different narrative, noting that King conducted an unlawful search of the victim without her consent.

The victim recounted her distressing experience, stating, "I knew he wasn't going to stop until he got his stupid search." She described how King began the search, making her uncomfortable by allegedly going too high under her clothing. While King claimed during his interview that he was unaware his body camera was off, the victim refuted this, stating he informed her that he was not recording the interaction.

As the search continued, the victim expressed her discomfort with King's actions, stating, "I don't think that is the way you are supposed to search." King responded by acknowledging that his tactics were inappropriate, leading to significant scrutiny about his adherence to police procedure. He pleaded not guilty in court last December, but a judge ruled that he must not contact the victim while the case is pending.

Following the incident, the Albuquerque Police Department placed King on administrative leave and disciplined him for failing to follow standard operating procedures during searches. This incident has raised concerns not only about King's behavior but about the broader training and protocols within the department regarding searches.

In an exchange between King and Lt. Amanda Christensen, it was revealed that King did not follow standard training when he manipulated the victim's clothing during the search. The victim vividly recalled how King held her bra, resulting in her breast being exposed. The incident has led to King's placement on the Giglio List, which identifies officers with credibility issues, thereby affecting his future role within law enforcement.