Robert French, Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy, Charged With Sexual Exploitation Of A Child

A Douglas County Sheriff's deputy has been fired, arrested and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

While details of the incident have not been released, the sheriff's office has said that it involves the sending of inappropriate text messages with a juvenile last week.

A report by 9News says that the first charge is for enticing a minor to make sexually explicit material while the second charge is for possessing that material.

According to the Associated Press, Sgt. Ron Hanavan said it occurred while French was off duty. Investigators received a tip about the misconduct and have been working with the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office and the Rocky Mountain Computer Forensics Lab.

French was taken to the Arapahoe County Jail as a courtesy to Douglas County.

"It's a little less uncomfortable for all employees that know (French)," Hanavan said. "And it's a security issue because if you work in this building, you're familiar with the building."

French has been released on a $50,000 bond and is due back in court on March 15 where he will formally be advised of his charges.