MARGATE, Fla. — A South Florida police officer is accused of soliciting photographs of a minor engaged in explicit sexual activities, authorities said.
Andrew Christian Hammock, 46, an officer with the Margate Police Department, was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Office on Tuesday, the Sun-Sentinel reported.
Hammock, an 18-year veteran of the Margate Police Department, was put on administrative leave without pay, WPLG reported.
Hammock is facing a child pornography charge, the Sun-Sentinel reported. If convicted, Hammock faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison.
Margate police officer was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Office during his road patrol shift Tuesday on a child pornography charge.
According to federal court documents, an undercover FBI agent answered a social media posting from “Playful_guy,” the newspaper reported. The poster wrote he felt like "peeking and being peeked at by a younger girl.” The agent pretended to be a 14-year-old girl and got in touch with Hammock.
According to court documents, Hammock told the “girl” any photographs she shared would remain confidential and asked her to send pictures of “in-between” clothes changes.
“You are perfect and exactly my dream girl,” Hammock allegedly told the agent. “Just be more open-minded. If you’re willing to be seen half-naked at (the) beach, don’t be afraid to let me see a little of you.”
Federal officials said the crackdown is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.
Hammock’s attorney, Deric Zacca, could not be reached for comment Wednesday, the Sun-Sentinel reported.
Cox Media Group
