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Student Resource Officer at Central Florida school suspended amid alleged child pornography investigation
An elementary school resource officer with the Altamonte Springs Police Department has been suspended – without pay – pending the results of a "criminal and administrative investigation" involving alleged child pornography
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - An elementary school resource officer with the Altamonte Springs Police Department has been suspended – without pay – pending the results of a "criminal and administrative investigation" involving alleged child pornography, according to the Altamonte Springs Police Department.
The investigation, which is being conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, has to do with child pornography, according to Altamonte Spring police. Criminal charges have not been filed against the officer, however, Altamonte Spring police said it was taking an "aggressive, proactive approach" by suspending the officer, pending FDLE's investigation.
The officer worked at Spring Lake Elementary School, according to a letter sent home to parents.
Some parents are very upset by the news.
"Just hearing that – it scares me. I don’t even know how to react right now. I’m just – I’m scared," said Yari, a parent who has two daughters who attend Spring Lake Elementary.
Yari tells FOX 35 that she has a system with her kids to check if anything has happened to them — and she hopes it'll be enough.
"Even when they come home from school, I’m like, ‘Has anybody hurt you, did anybody do anything, have you ever felt uncomfortable?... And I hope the same for all the other parents. And I hope that it was none of the kids here that were affected."
"The officer has been relieved of his duty, and our school is currently being supported by a newly assigned Altamonte Springs Police Department SRO," Spring Lakes Elementary Principal Kelly Mitchell said in a letter to parents. "At this time, it is not believed any of our Spring Lake Elementary students are involved in this matter."
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling the investigation.
"The subject of this investigation directly conflicts with the values and mission of the Altamonte Springs Police Department. Our officers will continue to protect and serve the residents and our community with professionalism and transparency throughout this unfortunate process," police said.