A veteran San Antonio cop has been nabbed on a child pornography charge, authorities said. Officer Albert Sanchez, who has served with the San Antonio Police Department for 16 years, is accused of possessing and promoting lewd material involving minors.
Upon a tipster's revelation, Sanchez was reported to police on Jan. 5, where he confessed to have engaged "in sexual conduct with juveniles," according to KSAT.com. He was swiftly placed on administrative leave while a probe into the allegations was launched.
The investigation heated up after detectives secured a search warrant for Sanchez's phone on Jan. 8 and discovered several explicit images of children who appeared to be under 10, according to the arrest affidavit. In the light of the findings, authorities arrested him Thursday without incident.
In the disturbing account of events, it's alleged that the law enforcement veteran had "multiple sexual encounters with several juveniles, both male and female," according to KENS 5. Suspended without pay, Sanchez is now facing a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and/or a fine of $10,000 if convicted. The case marks a grave breach of the trust placed on those sworn to protect and serve, as the community reels from the allegations against an officer of the law.
