AKRON, Ohio — An Akron Police officer was placed on leave after being arrested and charged with 21 felony counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor.
According to the Akron Police Department, officer Mikel Dillon was arrested by members of the Canton Police Department on Tuesday night. Records show that the 32-year-old Dillon has been charged with 21 felony counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor.
Dillon had been working for the Akron Police Department for 15 months. According to the department, he was immediately placed on administrative leave with pay, per departmental procedure and according to the union contract, pending a criminal indictment.
“I am beyond shocked by these charges against one of our employees," Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett said in a statement. "This alleged behavior is disgusting. Any person found to have engaged in this kind of behavior should be held accountable to the extent the law allows. I am confident the legal process will reveal the truth, either way, and justice will be served.”
A separate investigation will be performed by the City of Akron Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards and Accountability, with the results provided to the police chief for final review.
"If you have been the victim of abuse, no matter who the perpetrator is, we encourage you to come forward and report it by contacting your local police department," the Akron Police Department said. "You can also contact the Victim Assistance Program hotline at 330-376-0040, 24 hours a day, for crisis intervention, advocacy, and education."