The officer was arrested May 15 and later terminated after an internal investigation into off-duty conduct.
AUBURN, Wash. — An Auburn police officer arrested in a child exploitation investigation has been terminated, according to the Auburn Police Department.
The department said the officer’s employment ended effective May 28. The decision followed an internal investigation into off-duty conduct, according to the department.
The officer was arrested May 15 for felony immoral communication with a minor, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
KING 5 News is not naming the officer until charges are filed.
Detectives with the sheriff’s office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested the officer around 6:30 a.m. on May 15 at the Auburn Police Department. The officer was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Pierce County Jail.
The Auburn Police Department placed the officer on administrative leave after the arrest while formal charges were 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 arrested at the police station. The sheriff’s office 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.
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