A former Union County sheriff's deputy faces state and federal charges after his arrest Tuesday, accused of possession of child pornography, authorities said.
Justin Grant Crain, 37, of El Dorado was arrested by special agents with the Arkansas State Police and federal agents with Homeland Security, state police spokesman Bill Sadler said.
Crain is being held in the Saline County jail in Benton on charges of receipt of child pornography and access with intent to view child pornography.
Crain was accused of receiving images of child pornography by means of an internet connection, Sadler said.
The state police continues to work with the U.S. attorney in the investigation, he said.
Crain was hired by the Union County sheriff's office in early 2015, Union County Sheriff Mike McGoughsaid. Crain was a sergeant with the department.
He was terminated from the position last week after McGough learned of the investigation, the sheriff said.
Crain did routine patrols of the county and was on the sheriff's Special Weapons and Tactics team.
"Other than a driving incident, he never caused any problems," McGough said.
Crain crashed a patrol unit during icy weather last winter, the sheriff said. Crain was not injured in the accident.
Before being hired by the Union County sheriff's office, Crain was an officer with the El Dorado Police Department.
"We're disappointed," McGough said of Crain's arrest. "It is regrettable and embarrassing, but it does not reflect the character of our department. It is a very unfortunate situation."
Sadler said investigators could not comment further on the case because it was considered still open.
"It's bad when an officer is arrested for a crime," McGough said. "But we have to police our own, too."
State Desk on 06/09/2016