A former Henagar Police officer is facing child pornography charges and is suspected of using a social media account to distribute child sexual abuse material, authorities confirmed.
Joshua Min Kwon, who served with the Henagar Police Department for approximately six years, was arrested Thursday after an investigation triggered by a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office said the tip led them to a social media account allegedly linked to Kwon.
Henagar Police Chief Randall Smith said the department was shocked by the arrest and no one would have ever expected these charges. Although he declined to appear on camera, Smith told WAAY 31 that incidents like this can occur in any profession, even where individuals are expected to uphold higher standards.
Erica Hochberger, intervention and clinical director at the National Children's Advocacy Center, echoed Smith's comments.
"Anybody who's in a position of authority, position of trust, they can misuse if they choose," Hochberger said. "It's really important that when we're talking to our kids, you know, we let them know things that are okay, things that are not okay. And no matter who it is, it's important if they're breaking any of those rules - 'tell me, I'm gonna believe you, I'm gonna help you, you're not gonna be in trouble because you haven't done anything wrong.'"
Hochberger added that people should trust their instincts when something feels off about another person.
"You probably have a reason to feel that way," she said.
Kwon is charged with public dissemination and display of obscene matter involving a person under the age of 17. He was relieved of his duties before his arrest and is currently out of jail on a $30,000 bond. Authorities say additional charges could be forthcoming.
WAAY 31 will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
