US police officer Javed Richards charged with child pornography

Javed Richards, a Vincentia resident who served as a sergeant in the IMPD and was once considered a hero and awarded the Medal of Valor, was arrested after a tip was given about child pornography being shared online that was traced back to him.

IMPD Sergeant Javed Richards is charged with 12 counts of child exploitation, all Level 4 felonies.

According to IMPD, the investigation was conducted by detectives assigned to the Internet Crime Against Children Unit and began as a cybertip submitted to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. The tip involved child sexual abuse material being uploaded and/or downloaded online.

When detectives learned the suspect might be an IMPD officer, they alerted the IMPD Special Investigations Unit, which joined the investigation.

Richards is a 12-year veteran of IMPD who worked primarily in the Internal Affairs Unit — meaning his job was to investigate officers suspected of criminal activity. Now it’s Richards himself who is being investigated by Internal Affairs.

Richards has been recognized for his heroic actions several times throughout his career. In 2016, Richards was honored by the Indiana State Police for his actions and his help in saving the life of a crash victim. In 2015, Richards was awarded the Medal of Valor and the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained in a deadly shootout with a man on the city’s east side.

“I am deeply shocked and disturbed by the allegations involving an IMPD officer. His alleged actions are a betrayal of the sacred oath we take to protect and serve our community,” said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey.

“These actions do not reflect the character of the brave men and women who serve Indianapolis with integrity and dedication every day,” Bailey continued.

Bailey suspended Richards from the department following his arrest. A recommendation for termination has also been submitted to the IMPD Civilian Police Merit Board.