Campus police officer arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography

BUTTE COUNTY, California — A campus police officer was arrested Wednesday for possession and distribution of child pornography following a two-month investigation based on an online tip.

Detectives with the Butte County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) arrested 47-year-old Allen Charles at his home in Magalia on Wednesday, August 28. The BCSO said detectives received an online tip about the explicit material from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in July of this year. This led investigators to identify Charles, who the BCSO says distributed several images and at least one video of child pornography.

According to BCSO, Charles is employed as a campus police officer at Butte College. In response to the investigation, BCSO said Butte College placed Charles on leave and questioned his authority as a police officer.

“Butte College has been notified of the recent arrest of Officer Allen Charles,” Butte College said in a statement. “In response, Officer Charles has been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the internal and criminal investigations. We are cooperating fully with the Sheriff's Office during the investigation. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our highest priority. As this is an ongoing personnel investigation, we are unable to provide any further details at this time.”

On Tuesday, August 27, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Charles for possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography, the BCSO said. The next morning, detectives and investigators from the Butte County District Attorney's Office arrested Charles and executed a search warrant at his home in Magalia. Officials said detectives found additional evidence related to the investigation during Charles' arrest.

The investigation is ongoing, according to BCSO. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Mary Baker at (530) 538-7671.