CHP Officer Arrested On Child Porn In LA County

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Hundreds of photos of child pornography have been found in the possession of a California Highway Patrol officer, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office reported Friday.

Robert Tamayo, 37, was charged Thursday with one count each of distribution and possession of child pornography.

Detectives learned that Tamayo shared child pornography on a social media app in May, prosecutors allege. More than 600 images of child porn were also discovered on his computers and phones, the DA's office said.

The DA's office began investigating Tamayo after receiving a tip from the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years and eight months in state prison.

According to L.A. County Sheriff's Department jail records, Tamayo was initially arrested Sept. 29. He remains out on bail.

The 10-year CHP veteran has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal and administrative investigations, according to CHP Sgt. Saul Gomez. Tamayo had been assigned to the CHP's Antelope Valley Area office, he said.

"We want to assure the public that we take any allegation of misconduct by our employees, whether on or off duty, very seriously," Gomez said in a statement. "The CHP is fully cooperating with the investigating agencies. In addition, the CHP is conducting its own investigation into the allegations."

Tamayo made his first court appearance Friday. His arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 12.

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