Former law enforcement officer Lance Palma has been charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in connection with images he allegedly shared on a social messaging app.

Last December, cyber information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicated that images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors were sent to the Phoenix Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC). it was done. The photos were found to have been shared using the social messaging app Kik from locations within the Parker Police Department's jurisdiction.

A search warrant was executed to locate the suspect and his location. Information received from the search warrant led to his residences in the towns of Parma and Parker. A search warrant was executed by Officer Parker and others at the Parma residence on February 11, 2022, with assistance from the Arizona Attorney General's Office, La Paz County Sheriff's Department, and Lake Havasu Police Department. Several items were taken as evidence.

“At that time, we were advised by AGO investigators not to make any arrests,” Parker Police Chief Michael Bailey said. “The evidence was handed over to the AGO because we had access to the technology necessary to view the data within the electronic devices.”

On March 3, 2022, Palma, a former deputy with the La Paz County Sheriff's Department, was found to be in possession of multiple images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. Due to a conflict of interest, it was decided that the Attorney General's Office would serve as the prosecutor's office in this case. All information was handed over to them.

“I made numerous attempts to speak with the lead prosecutor, but my calls were not returned and I received empty promises to keep me informed of the status of the investigation,” Bailey said. “In September, our office was notified by the AGO that the case had been referred to a grand jury. No further information was given at that time.”

On Monday, Bailey said Palma was recommended for initial arraignment in La Paz County Superior Court on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor (ARS 13-3553). Parker Police were also informed that Palma was booked into the La Paz County Jail and immediately released on Nov. 3.

Mr Bailey said: “I would like to commend the investigators and support staff who have done an outstanding job during this investigation.” “These cases are particularly difficult to investigate. Predators who share these types of images are a danger to our communities. Although he is not currently in custody, we believe that Lance Palma committed the crime. I am confident that justice will be served for this terrible act.”