A California police officer was arrested and charged with felony possession of child sexual abuse material, local authorities said Tuesday.
Brian Jimenez-Gomez, a 25-year-old resident of Salinas and an officer with the Salinas Police Department, faces one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
In a social media statement, Salinas Police Chief Carlos Acosta said the department received information late last year concerning possible criminal conduct involving Jimenez-Gomez.
Acosta said that “in the interest of transparency and accountability,” the department immediately referred the investigation to the San Jose Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and placed the officer on administrative leave.
“We understand the seriousness of this matter and the impact it may have on public trust,” Acosta said. “When misconduct is alleged, it will be thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately. The Salinas Police Department remains committed to holding all employees to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.”
The case was investigated by the San Jose Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office said.
Officials said that the charge did not allege physical contact with a minor, nor did it involve allegations that Jimenez-Gomez created the material.
According to a Monterey County news release, District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni stated that investigators were currently unaware of any local victims and there was no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.
If convicted, Jimenez-Gomez faces a sentence of probation, 16 months in state prison or a maximum sentence of two years in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office. A conviction would also require Jimenez-Gomez to register as a sex offender for life.
It’s not clear if Jimenez-Gomez has obtained legal representation.
