Florida cop arrested for conducting on-line sex chats with minor female

The Internet Crimes Against Children division of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO,) headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, reported on March 24 that their detectives arrested a Fort Lauderdale police officer Wednesday afternoon on two counts of transmission of material harmful to a minor.

On Tuesday, March 23, BSO detectives received information from a Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Taskforce regarding a police officer in Fort Lauderdale engaging in online chats with who he believed was a minor. 

BSO detectives identified the man as Louis Walsh. ICAC detectives used a photo sent to them from Minnesota detectives to confirm Walsh’s identity.

Minnesota investigators said on at least two occasions, Walsh engaged in sexual conversations with an undercover detective who he believed was a minor female.

Investigators said Walsh sent a photo of himself and exposed his private area.

Walsh was arrested on March 24 at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Through their investigation, BSO detectives learned that Walsh works special security details at Cardinal Gibbons High School and St. Anthony Catholic School. Detectives also said Walsh is a wrestling coach at Cardinal Gibbons.

Pending the outcome of his criminal case, Walsh has since been placed on administrative leave without pay.  Walsh has served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for the last five years.

Fort Lauderdale Police Department Interim Police Chief Patrick Lynn issued the following statement regarding the arrest of Louis Walsh:

“This is a difficult situation for everyone involved. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is shocked and disappointed to learn of the arrest of one of our officers. After an investigation by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Louis Walsh was taken into custody on Wednesday. The details surrounding these allegations are very difficult to hear and do not reflect the character and professionalism expected of the men and women of this agency.

Walsh has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of a criminal investigation. This investigation will be handled by the BSO and we encourage anyone who may feel victimized by this individual to immediately contact them 954-888-5290.”

The Broward Sheriff’s Office also reported that their investigation into Walsh’s activities is still active and ongoing. Anyone who has information regarding this case or believes they may know someone who is a victim is encouraged to contact Det. Erica Rockey at 954-888-5290.

For more on this alarming story, see the video accompanying this article.

(Source: Broward Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter