Ex-Law Enforcement Officer from Minnesota Faces Serious Child Exploitation Charges
Former Minnesota deputy faces multiple child exploitation charges after digital investigation uncovers disturbing online activities. š #News #MilleLacsMN #Minnesota #Crime
MILLE LACS, MN – A Minnesota man once entrusted to protect and serve his community now stands accused of exploiting its most vulnerable members. Tyler Pettit, a former reserve deputy for Mille Lacs County, allegedly led a disturbing double life – badge-wearing officer by day, online predator by night. It’s a shocking twist that has rocked his friends and co-workers.
From Law Enforcement to Lawbreaker
The unfortunately named Pettit, 28, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of child pornography possession and distribution. Tyler Pettit, who previously served as a reserve officer, now faces four charges related to disseminating pornographic material involving children under 14 years old.
The investigation began in May when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received an alert. On September 17, authorities issued a warrant, leading to Pettit’s arrest two days later by Mille Lacs County Sheriff Kyle Burton. Initially placed on administrative leave during the inquiry, Pettit was subsequently terminated following his arrest.
Sheriff Burton addressed the situation on social media, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability, even when it involves department personnel.
Digital Trail Leads to Arres
The criminal complaint outlines that law enforcement received information about a Snapchat user, identified as “macg.24,” allegedly sharing explicit content depicting child sexual abuse through private messages. Through subpoenas to various tech companies including Yahoo and Snapchat, investigators linked the account to Pettit.
Upon reviewing the reported content in June, officials discovered sexually explicit videos featuring what appeared to be underage boys. The complaint alleges that Pettit not only uploaded such content but also distributed it via private chats.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect reportedly posed as a 13-year-old in online conversations with other users claiming to be minors. A search of Pettit’s iPhone uncovered URLs connected to websites containing potentially underage content, as well as several images of juvenile males.
Conditions of Release and Next Steps
During questioning, Pettit provided information about his social media and email accounts. Investigators found that two of his email addresses shared a recovery phone number with the account linked to the illicit videos. Pettit claimed that the implicated email address was created two decades ago with his grandmother’s assistance, suggesting she might have had access to it.
Currently, Pettit is free on $200,000 bail, subject to conditions including mandatory court appearances, remaining within state borders, adhering to the law, and refraining from contact with minors. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 1.
While this case unfolds in the legal system, it’s crucial to remember the true victims – the children exploited and harmed by these alleged crimes. Their well-being and recovery must remain at the forefront of our concerns, reminding us of the ongoing need to protect society’s most vulnerable members from predators who hide behind respected positions.
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