100 Child Porn Images Found In Former Officer's Homes, Says Chief

TAMPA, FL — A 61-year-old former Tampa police officer has been arrested after Tampa police detectives said they found 100 images of child pornography in his homes in Hillsborough County and North Florida.

Tampa police arrested Paul Mumford Wednesday afternoon and charged him with 100 counts of child pornography.

During a news conference Wednesday night, newly confirmed Police Chief Mary O' Connor called Mumford's arrest "disturbing and disappointing," adding that the actions of a single officer tarnishes the reputation of all who wear the badge.

"We don't tolerate this kind of behavior. The actions of this officer do not represent the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect the people of Tampa every day," she said. "But we will weather this storm together."

O' Connor said she couldn't provide many details because "this is still a very active and ongoing investigation."

She said the department was told in December that Mumford was in possession of child pornography.

Mumford served as a police officer with the Tampa Police Department from June 1986 through September 2015. In October 2015, Mumford returned to the department as a reserve officer, a volunteer officer who works special events conducting crowd control and other duties.

The department obtained search warrants and conducted a series of searches at Mumford's homes. Detectives said they found photographs depicting child pornography on multiple electronic devices.

O' Connor said detectives are still tracking down the origin of the photos, but said she does not believe they came from the department's child pornography unit. The unit had not been formed when Mumford was a full-time officer, and a reserve officer does not have access to the unit's investigations.

"You can't tell where the victim is located, so we are working with other agencies to identify who the victims are," she said. "But they were most likely taken overseas."

Mumford was immediately removed from his duties as a reserve officer on Feb. 15 when the photographs were discovered.

Though Mumford was arrested Wednesday, O' Connor said he could face more charges as the investigation continues.