Palm Beach Sheriff’s Deputy on Paid Leave After Child Porn Charges

A Palm Beach County (Florida) sheriff’s deputy faces child pornography charges after more than 30 images were found on a laptop and cellphone in his home, according to police officials.

The deputy, Adam Godbey, 38, was arrested last Thursday after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip that prompted an investigation, according to a report from the West Palm Beach Police Department. Police were able to connect an IP address involved in uploading the illicit material to Godbey, who now faces 30 counts of possession of child pornography.

Palm Beach County circuit judge Caroline Shepherd ordered Godbey, a four year veteran of the sheriff’s office, to undergo a mental health evaluation and, according to the office, he has been placed on paid administrative leave, a common fate for offending officers.

On Wednesday, the judge set Godbey’s bond at $300,000, put him on house arrest and prohibited any contact with persons under the age of 18.

“The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office holds its employees to the highest standards and never forgets about its duty to preserve the public’s trust,” the sheriff’s office told the Palm Beach Post.

“Unfortunately sometimes an employee makes a bad decision which leads to misconduct. This misconduct was reported, investigated and determined to be criminal in nature, resulting in the charges. The sheriff’s office will remain vigilant to insure that our efforts are professional and meet the high standards that the public has come to expect.”

In 2015, Godbey was praised by the sheriff’s office after he saved a kitten trapped in the rear axle of a vehicle.

A driver reportedly told the deputy, “you are the best, I love the cops.”