‘Betrayal’: IMPD sergeant arrested on 12 counts of child exploitation

INDIANAPOLIS — An IMPD sergeant once hailed as a hero and recipient of the Medal of Valor has been arrested after a tip about child abuse material being shared online was reportedly traced to the officer.

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.

IMPD Sergeant Javed Richards speaks to media crews at a crime scene.

Booking photo of Javed Richards (Marion Co. Jail)

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

Richards was arrested on Monday.

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 constitute 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.