Man fired from Phoenix police department and charged with sexual exploitation of children

PHOENIX – A Phoenix A police officer was fired and is accused of multiple counts of sexual exploitation of children.

On September 3, police confirmed to FOX 10 that Daniel Rojas, a former communications employee, was fired following an internal and criminal investigation.

The Phoenix Police Department's investigation began in April of this year when the department was alerted to “potential criminal activity” by Rojas.

“In May, Rojas was questioned and placed on leave as part of the criminal investigation,” Phoenix Police Sergeant Phil Krynsky said.

Then, in July, Scottsdale The police department told Phoenix police it was also investigating alleged criminal activity by Rojas.

Documents in the case show that Instagram notified the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) on June 28 that Rojas allegedly uploaded child sexual abuse material to the platform.

Investigators were able to trace the account back to Rojas, a Scottsdale resident. He was arrested by Scottsdale police on August 2.

“Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Phoenix Police Department has terminated Rojas' employment,” the Phoenix Police Department said. “The Phoenix Police Department takes these allegations seriously and is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation process.”

Rojas is accused of six counts of child exploitation.

You can contact NCMEC if you know of a missing or exploited child: