An Isanti police officer has been charged with distributing sexually explicit material to a minor.
According to a press release, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of inappropriate images being sent to a juvenile in Isanti County on Aug. 3.
At the request of the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office, Anoka County authorities began conducting an investigation that led to the arrest of 30-year-old Nicholas Martell.
The criminal complaint states that the father of a 14-year-old child contacted law enforcement on Aug. 3 after learning that Martell sent a picture of his genitalia over Snapchat on July 27.
The minor disclosed that Martell had asked her if she wanted to see the photograph before sending it, and asked if she "liked it" after it was sent.
The following day, Martell allegedly apologized for sending it and asked her not to tell anyone.
The child informed Martell that one of her friends was upset after seeing the explicit photograph. The friend recorded a call between the child and Martell after he requested her to "call me alone."
Martell allegedly pleaded with the child, saying that he could go to prison, and to tell her friend it was a "different Nick."
The complaint states that Martell was aware of the minor’s age.
Authorities are forensically examining both Martell and the minor’s phones, but believe communication was more extensive than was disclosed by the 14-year-old.
Martell has been placed on administrative leave from the Isanti Police Department.
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