Farmington Hills police officer charged with possession of child pornography

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – A Farmington Hills police officer was charged with five counts of possession of child sexually abusive material, five counts of using a computer to commit a crime and three counts of illegally recording an individual, according to police.

Matthew Parsons, 48, is alleged to have used personally owned electronic devices to possess child pornography. Police said he had downloaded at least 10 videos of sexually abusive material.

Investigators from the Michigan Attorney General's office served search warrants at the Farmington Hills Police Station on Wednesday and interviewed Parsons.

After the interview, Parsons was placed on administrative leave. He is a 20-year veteran of the department.

"Members of the department were stunned to learn of the state investigation," Farmington Hills Police Chief Chuck Nebus said. "Officers shared with me that they want our residents to know that this incident is not reflective of the integrity and dedication of the officers who proudly serve and protect this community. Nothing is more important than earning and maintaining community trust.

Parsons was arraigned on several felony charges Saturday and is currently lodged in the Oakland County Jail. His bail was set at $300,000.

After his arraignment on formal stat criminal charges, his employment status was changed to suspended without pay.

A mandated internal department investigation and hearing will be used to determine his future employment status.

No other information is available at this time.

Stay with Local 4 and ClickonDetroit.com for updates to this developing story.


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Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.