ASHLAND – A trooper from the Ohio Highway Patrol was arrested Friday on charges of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance . The arrest is in connection to an investigation being conducted by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Tyler Anderson, 44, a trooper who had been assigned to the Ashland Post of the Highway, was arrested Friday morning on the second-degree felony charge.
The investigation, which is still ongoing, will be referred to the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office for a decision on formal charges, according to Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell. In a news release from the prosecutor’s office, Tunnell said he does not expect a decision on formal charges until next week.
Tunnell noted that the investigation is still in its early stages but centers on activity that allegedly occurred at Anderson’s residence in 2016 involving the surreptitious videotaping of under-aged persons in a state of nudity.
“Investigators are still in the process of gathering information and evidence and seeking out additional witnesses,” Tunnell noted. “This is a very unfortunate situation that happens to involve a local law enforcement officer. There has been no evidence found at this time to indicate any allegations that Anderson used his position to facilitate the alleged offense or that he was on duty at the time of the alleged offenses.”
“I hope this does not erode the public trust in our local law enforcement community,” Tunnell said. “Our Ashland County law enforcement officers are outstanding and dedicated public servants.”
“Anderson is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Tunnell stated in the release. “It is the duty of the Prosecuting Attorney to secure justice for the victims, their families, and the community while preserving the rights of the accused in a fair and just manner.”
According to a release from the State Highway Patrol, “the conduct of Mr. Anderson does not reflect the values of our agency. The Patrol has already initiated termination proceedings.”
