IMPD officer arrested on 12 counts of child exploitation

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Monday arrested one of their own officers, on 12 counts of child exploitation. All counts are Level 4 felonies.

Sergeant Javed Richards was taken into custody after an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. After receiving a tip, the ICAC found evidence of Richards' personal IP address being used to access child pornography.

In a press release, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey expressed shock about the allegations against Richards.

“His alleged actions constitute a betrayal of the sacred oath we take to protect and serve our community,” Bailey said. “The exploitation of children through pornography is an unimaginable crime that inflicts lasting harm on our most vulnerable.”

Richards was on the force for 12 years and most recently worked in the Internal Affairs Unit. He was suspended from the department this week.

IMPD says a recommendation for termination is pending.