An Akron Police officer is on leave after being arrested by Canton Police on 21 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor, according to police and prosecutors.
Mikel Dillon, a 15-month member of Akron Police, was arrested on Feb. 14 at about 9 p.m. by Canton Police after they issued felony warrants for his arrest, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett stated in a news release. He was taken into custody without incident.
According to court records, the criminal incidents reportedly began in early 2021 and occurred multiple times through December 2022.
"Our victims here are minors. Any time we have a minor that is a victim, they can’t protect themselves in the way that an adult can," said Canton City Prosecutor Katie Erchick Gilbert. "We absolutely take these cases very seriously."
According to an Akron police social media post, Dillon was sworn in as a police officer in December 2021.
“I am beyond shocked by these charges against one of our employees,” Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett said in a news release. “This alleged behavior is disgusting. Any person found to have engaged in this kind of behavior should be held accountable to the extent the law allows. I am confident the legal process will reveal the truth, either way, and justice will be served.”
After his arrest, Dillon was immediately placed on administrative leave with pay, per departmental procedure and according to the union contract, pending a criminal indictment, the Akron Police news release states.
The City of Akron will conduct a separate internal investigation, and the results will be provided to Chief Mylett for final review, his release states.
According to court records, Dillon is due in court for a hearing on Feb. 22.
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