An Owensboro Fire Department firefighter has been arrested and is facing 20 total counts of possession of child porn charges, according to the Owensboro Police Department.
Clifford Brandon, 53, was arrested Friday morning. According to a release, OPD executed search warrants at approximately 6:45 a.m. Friday at two separate locations based upon an ongoing investigation involving possession of child pornography.
Following the execution of the search warrants and based upon evidence found during the investigation, detectives charged Brandon with 18 counts of possession or viewing of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor between the ages of 12 and 18. He faces an additional two counts of possession or viewing of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12.
Brandon has been suspended without pay, according to City officials.
Though they did not identify Brandon, a release from city officials said OPD conducted a search warrant on Fire Station 2 which led to the arrest of a city employee serving as a firefighter. The employee had been suspended without pay due to the nature of said charges, city officials stated.
“We are aware of the situation that occurred at a city fire station Friday morning and trust in the Owensboro Police Department to conduct a thorough investigation. The city does not condone this behavior and will move forward with an internal procedure to determine disciplinary actions for the employee,” City Manager Nate Pagan said.
The City had no further comments due to this being an ongoing investigation.
Detectives are continuing to investigate and anyone with additional information can call the Owensboro Police Department at 270-687-8888, or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 270-687-8484.
