PHELPS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating one of their own on multiple allegations.
On Wednesday, Phelps County Deputies arrested Deputy Justin B. Durham, age 40, of Rolla, Missouri, without incident at the sheriff's department in Rolla, Missouri.
On Tuesday, the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Durham with one count of Possession of Child Pornography Class B Felony, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The investigation of Durham was initiated after a tip was received about suspected child sexual abuse material on a device possessed by the deputy.
“As law enforcement, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics and integrity and are not above the law,” said Sheriff Michael P. Kirn.
“The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department does not tolerate the abuse of children in any form.” He was terminated due to a felony charge of criminal wrongdoing.
Sheriff Kirn thanked and requested further assistance from the South-Central Missouri Computer Crimes Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Division of Drug and Crime Control.
If you have information about this alleged incident or any negative interaction with Durham, please call Corporal Jonny Fariole at (573) 368-2221 at the Missouri State Highway Patrol.