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 in a child exploitation investigation, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives with the sheriff’s office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested the officer around 6:30 a.m. May 15 for felony immoral communication with a minor, the sheriff’s office said.
KING 5 News is not naming the officer 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 about the investigation, Auburn Police Chief Mark Caillier worked with Pierce County investigators to have the officer taken into custody at the police station, the sheriff’s office said. Officials said that was done to ensure everyone’s safety.
“The allegations in this case are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values, professionalism, or integrity of the Auburn Police Department. Our duty as officers is to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, especially children. This officer has broken that trust, and this incident will be handled as promptly as possible, while still ensuring that due process is followed,” Caillier said.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The sheriff’s office said Internet Crimes Against Children units investigate crimes involving children that are often hidden from public view.
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