Pierce County officials said the officer was arrested without incident and placed on administrative leave.
AUBURN, Wash. — An Auburn police officer was arrested Friday morning during a child exploitation investigation, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested the officer around 6:30 a.m. on May 15 on a felony charge of immoral communications with a minor, the Sheriff’s Office said.
KING 5 News is not releasing the officer’s name until charges are filed.
The officer was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Pierce County Jail.
The Auburn Police Department immediately placed the officer on administrative leave while formal charges are pending, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
After learning of the investigation, Auburn Police Chief Mark Kalil worked with Pierce County investigators to take the officer into custody at the police station, the Sheriff’s Office said. Officials say this is being done to ensure everyone’s safety.
“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing and do not reflect the values, professionalism or integrity of the Auburn Police Department. Our job as police officers is to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, especially children. This officer broke that trust and this incident will be handled as quickly as possible while still ensuring due process is followed,” Kalil said.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Unit investigates crimes involving children that are often hidden from public view, the Sheriff’s Office said.
