St. Petersburg Cop Faces Child Porn Charges

ST. PETERSBURG -- Police chief Anthony Holloway agrees with a reporter's question, calling it "a punch in the gut."

Federal Homeland Security agents have arrested decorated police officer Matthew Enhoffer, 33, on charges of possessing, receiving and distributing child pornography.

The feds raided his home last week. A criminal complaint says they found child porn images after a social media app submitted a tipline pointing to Enhoffer's IP address and a username associated with his e-mail.

Holloway says officers are "hanging their heads" after the arrest.

"We're sworn to protect these kids, and if these allegations are true, he crossed a line that shouldn't have been crossed."

Enhoffer received the Medal of Valor in 2015 for his actions during a standoff in which a fellow officer was wounded.

Holloway says the whole department is tarred by the arrest because media reports start with the phrase "A St. Petersburg police officer..." But he insists that the whole department shouldn't be painted with a broad brush. "There are 500 officers who give there all... we're going to get past this."

The administrative process that could lead to Enhoffer's dismissal is already underway. "This officer will get what he needs to get," Holloway said.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


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