Bradenton Officer Fired After Felony Child Abuse Charge Filed in Hillsborough County
A Bradenton police officer has been terminated following a felony child abuse charge filed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, according to the Bradenton Police Department.
Authorities identified the former officer as Nicolas Leeman, 29. He was booked into the Manatee County Jail on Tuesday morning on a Hillsborough County warrant and is awaiting extradition. Officials said the allegation stems from an off-duty incident involving one of Leeman’s children.
Leeman joined the Bradenton Police Department in October 2022 and was dismissed from his position since then. During his tenure, he served in the department’s K9 Unit alongside K9 Striker, a Belgian Malinois. The pair completed a 12-week training program and earned certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Apprehension in July 2024.
The K9 team was assigned to the department’s Crime Reduction Team and assisted with security operations during Pittsburgh Pirates spring training games in Bradenton. K9 Striker was obtained through the Bradenton Blue Foundation with contributions from the Pittsburgh Pirates and NDC Construction Company.
In 2025, Leeman received a Unit Citation Award as part of the Crime Reduction Team.
Department officials stated that the alleged actions contradict the agency’s mission to ensure a safe community and do not align with its values. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released.
