A Charlotte County deputy has been accused of engaging in inappropriate and harmful communication with a 10-year-old girl in Texas through TikTok.
James Ford, with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is accused of receiving and sending explicit images to the child.
Ford’s arrest report says Coryell County Sheriff’s Office in Texas was notified by the girl’s mother after she found the images on her daughter’s TikTok account. This revelation emerged after the girl’s mother noticed her daughter acting strangely and discovered explicit images on her phone.
Ford faces three third-degree felony charges: transmission of pornography by electronic device, transmission of harmful material by electronic device to a person in another state, and harmful explicit communication to a minor.
Ford will be released on a $45,000 bond with conditions that prohibit contact with the victim or any other minors. His internet access will be restricted, and he will not be allowed to use any social media platforms.
Ford has been placed on unpaid administrative leave with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. His internet access will be limited to job searches and communication with his lawyers.
Ford is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m.