CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- A recently-fired Chesterfield Police Officer was arrested and charged with solicitation of child pornography and use of communication systems for offenses involving children, according to Chesterfield Police Chief Col. Jeff Katz.
Brandon Hyde, 31, had an "inappropriate encounter" with a 17-year-old girl in 2019, Katz stated.
The chief said a fellow officer heard a rumor of the encounter and brought it to the attention of the department in February.
"We learned that Hyde met this young lady prior to his employment with the department, but that during his tenure with our agency, Hyde sent an inappropriate photo to the victim on at least one occasion and solicited photos from her," Katz said. "As a result, I fired Hyde on March 12, 2021, and promptly sent correspondence to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to seek revocation of his law enforcement certification. Yesterday, following a criminal investigation and consultation with the Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, Chesterfield County detectives obtained warrants for Hyde for solicitation of child pornography and use of communication systems for offenses involving children. He was taken into custody without incident."
Katz described Hyde as a Chesterfield native and an honorably discharged United States Marine.
"To his credit, Hyde was completely forthright about his conduct during our investigation," Katz added. "He did not attempt to conceal or make excuses for his wrongdoing. Additionally, he forfeited the opportunity to appeal my termination of his employment and has expressed regret for his conduct. Now, he will be held to account for his behavior."
Katz said he made the case public because "we are responsible and accountable to the community we serve, and you have a right to know of this development and how it was handled."
This is a developing story.
