Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum addresses arrest of officer accused of soliciting child porn
Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum is speaking out after the recent arrest of an officer now facing federal charges involving solicitation of child porn.
Luke John Schauer, 28, was booked into jail in the early hours of Wednesday, charged with attempted production of child pornography and transfer of obscene materials to minors, according to court documents.
Schauer was employed by the Sioux Falls Police Department as an officer but "did not work another shift" after the allegations came forward, Thum said as he addressed the issue Thursday during a daily police briefing with media. Sioux Falls police assisted the FBI in arresting Schauer.
"To whom much trust and responsibility is given, the expectations are higher," Thum said.
Previously: Decorated Sioux Falls police officer charged with soliciting child porn.
The police chief also addressed concerns the public might have regarding the background process when recruiting officers. Thum said there's a psychological evaluation and a polygraph examination done with potential recruits.
"During that polygraph examination, allegations of this nature are specifically addressed and screened," Thum said.
Even after the screening process is done, the human element remains, Thum said. The police chief also addressed the loss of public trust the department would suffer given the arrest of Schauer, but said the department would keep working to maintain the trust the public has in the force.
"We will not let the allegations against an individual overshadow the outstanding people we employ and the great work that they do," Thum said.
Where do Schauer's charges stem from?
Between Jan. 18 and Feb 4., Schauer sent multiple messages via Kik Messenger to an undercover FBI agent, who was posing as a 12-year-old girl, according to federal court documents.
The messages contained graphic images of Schauer's penis and graphic descriptions of "how he would have sex," with the undercover agent, according to the documents. At one point, the agent asked Schauer if she could "see your gun," and he responded with "if I can see you naked."
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In the photographs Schauer took, distinct patterned sheets, a comforter and a blanket can be seen in a bedroom, according to the documents.
A search warrant was executed Tuesday at Schauer's home in Sioux Falls, where law enforcement officers were able to match the portions of the bedroom to the Kik messenger photographs, according to court documents.
Schauer admitted during questioning Tuesday with two FBI special agents the Kik messenger handle was his and he was aware he was communicating with a person he believed to be a 12-year-old girl, according to court documents.
Schauer faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if he is found guilty of the charges, according to the court documents.
Got a story idea from your community? Email reporter Alfonzo Galvan at agalvan@argusleader.com or follow him on Twitter @GalvanReports.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Chief Jon Thume addresses Sioux Falls police officer's arrest
