Indianapolis police officer suspended, accused of child abuse after online investigation

A sergeant with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been charged with child exploitation online, the department confirmed in a recent public release. The officer, a 12-year veteran of the force, was arrested Monday following an investigation led by a unit that specializes in child cybercrimes. The officer’s identity has not been released as prosecutors are still working on charges, The Associated Press reported.

The sergeant had previously been assigned to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s internal affairs unit, and his actions prompted a rapid response from the department. The tip that led to the arrest stemmed from an Aug. 6 report filed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which indicated that child sexual exploitation material had been uploaded or downloaded to the Internet. A source within the department revealed that an Internet Protocol address was associated with a personal router registered to the sergeant’s name, ABC News reported.

Following his arrest, Indianapolis Police Chief Chris Bailey took immediate action against the officer, suspending him and submitting a recommendation for termination to the Civilian Police Merit Board. Chief Bailey expressed his concern, saying, “I am deeply shocked and disturbed by the allegations involving an IMPD officer,” and further described the situation as “a betrayal of the sacred oath we take to protect and serve our community,” according to WFFT.

Further details of the case are still under investigation. Updates will be provided as they become available.