A former Troy police officer who recently fled the state after being charged with child grooming and being fired has turned himself in to local authorities in California.

According to a City of Troy press release, Layton Artigo, who was hired by the city's police department in March 2025, was investigated for misconduct after allegations were brought to law enforcement on Nov. 12 that Artigo had been having inappropriate sexual conversations with minors via Snapchat.

According to the city, Artigo was immediately fired after an initial investigation. Artigo has previously worked for multiple Montana law enforcement agencies, according to the city.

Charging documents state that law enforcement interviewed a minor who reported that Artigo sent them sexual messages and videos. Officers then

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