The Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded Tuesday after the arrest of one of its own.

Christopher Thomason, a sheriff’s office employee, was arrested by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and charged with 11 counts involving child pornography.

Sheriff Mark Moon said that after hearing of the arrest, he immediately began the process of terminating Thomason’s employment.

“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by this situation,” said Moon. “The actions alleged are completely unacceptable, and they betray the values of trust, integrity, and protection that we are sworn to uphold. I want to be absolutely clear—this office will always operate with transparency and accountability to the people we serve.

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