Officer Caught on Video Plotting to Charge 11-Year-Old Victim with Child Sexual Abuse

Body camera footage obtained by the Associated Press shows a Columbus police officer telling a father concerned about his 11-year-old daughter being solicited by an adult man that the girl could face charges for sending explicit images of herself. The father posted a viral TikTok video of the conversation, generating widespread criticism of the police's response. The officers' conduct is being investigated, and the Columbus Police Chief has apologized to the father. The police have not released the father's name, and it is unclear if the girl could still face charges. The incident has raised questions about police policies regarding charging minors with child sexual abuse offenses.