PHOENIX — A Phoenix police officer has been charged with possession of child pornography, according to the FBI.
Alaa Robert Bartley, 41, of Gilbert, was arrested last week.
In a news release on Monday, the FBI said Bartley is facing charges connected to receiving and possessing child sex abuse images.
The charges against Bartley include one count of knowingly receiving child pornography and one count of knowingly possessing child pornography.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Un oficial de policía de Phoenix enfrenta cargos por pornografía infantil después de que el FBI allanara su casa
Neighbors of the officer told 12News that federal agents raided the officer's home on Thursday.
"The complaint alleges that, between August 2020 and February 2022, while living in Gilbert, Bartley used a social media platform to communicate with an adult woman, with the two expressing their sexual interest in children and the woman sending Bartley child pornography images," the news release said.
Bartley used a fictitious name, but identified himself as a police officer, according to the FBI.
The Phoenix Police Department released the following statement:
The Phoenix Police Department just received a copy of an indictment against one of our employees, Alaa Bartley, for receiving and possessing child pornography.
These alleged actions are despicable and fundamentally opposed to the values our department and the law enforcement community.
“What is alleged, is contrary to the courageous work done every day by the men and women of the Phoenix Police Department to protect one of the most vulnerable populations in our community, our children,” said Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan.
We take this matter very seriously and we are conducting an internal investigation.
Last week, upon learning of the FBI investigation, the Department immediately placed Bartley on administrative leave and started the disciplinary process, up to and including termination, against the employee.
Bartley joined the Department in 2007.
We are committed to the safety and well-being of our community and we will not tolerate any actions that undermine that commitment.
>>>This is a developing story; additional details will be added as they become available.
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