Full Notification

INDIANAPOLIS – An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer has been arrested for child exploitation following an investigation by detectives assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit. 

Earlier today, on August 19, 2024, IMPD Sergeant Javed Richards was arrested for 12 counts of child exploitation, all level four felonies. 

On August 6, 2024, an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detective received a cyber tip from The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC is a national clearing house for missing and exploited children and alerts law enforcement to material uploaded or download of sexually exploited children on the internet.  

On August 13, 2024, ICAC detectives received evidence that an Internet Protocol (IP) address came back to a personal home router with the same name as a current IMPD officer.  

On August 16, 2024, the ICAC detective received additional evidence from search warrants which confirmed the alleged suspect was an IMPD officer. At that point, detectives from IMPD’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) were notified and joined the investigation.  

On August 19, 2024, Richards was taken into custody and arrested. IMPD detectives have been working with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office on this case and the MCPO will make a final charging decision. 

Richards is a 12-year-veteran of IMPD and was most recently assigned to Internal Affairs Unit. 

"I am profoundly shocked and disturbed by the allegations involving an IMPD officer. His alleged actions constitute a betrayal of the sacred oath we take to protect and serve our community. These actions do not reflect the character of the brave men and women who serve Indianapolis with integrity and dedication every day," stated IMPD Chief Chris Bailey. 

“The exploitation of children through pornography is an unimaginable crime that inflicts lasting harm on our most vulnerable. I commend the unwavering dedication of our detectives in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit. Their efforts in investigating, prosecuting, and formulating responses to these heinous crimes ensure that those who prey on children are held accountable,” added Chief Bailey. 

Today, on August 19, 2024, Chief Bailey suspended Richards from the department pending a recommendation of termination to the IMPD Civilian Police Merit Board.   

Richards, as with any person arrested, should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.