Cleburne County deputy arrested and charged with sex crimes against children

FAULKNER COUNTY (KATV) — A Cleburne County deputy was arrested and charged with sex crimes against children, Cleburne County Sheriff's Office officials said in a news release Saturday.

According to the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office, one of their deputies was arrested by the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office as part of an undercover operation for solicitation of minors.

According to Cleburne County, the deputy was arrested on one count of stalking a child via the internet and one count of traveling for the purpose of engaging in an illicit sexual act with a minor.

According to authorities, the deputy is currently in the custody of the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office.

The Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement in its press release:

I spoke with many other Cleburne County Sheriff's Office employees this morning and I want the public to know that we as a CCSO family are shocked, saddened, angry and disappointed by this news. There is no excuse for this behavior and we do not condone or tolerate such actions. The deputy was immediately suspended and termination paperwork is currently being prepared and will be served to him as soon as it is ready.

Personally, I am deeply saddened that this news will likely result in a breakdown of trust between the community and our Sheriff's Office. And while I can't wave a magic wand to fix that, I want our community to know that the actions of this one individual do not speak for or represent the men and women who serve Cleburne County; they do not represent our hearts or our dedication.

Officials with the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office say they are fully cooperating with Faulkner County and will provide them with any information they need.

KATV has reached out to the Faulkner County Sheriff's Department for comment.

This is a developing story. KATV will provide updates as they become available.