'Officer of the Year' charged with sharing child porn while on duty

A Florida police officer, once declared “Officer of the Year” by his former department, was arrested by federal authorities this week for allegedly sharing—while on duty—images of children being sexually abused.

Michael Harding, employed by the Port St. Lucie Police Department since 2012, faces federal charges for receiving and distributing material involving sexual exploitation of minors and possession of child pornography.

Homeland Security investigators began monitoring Harding in July, when an undercover agent discovered his alleged account on the Kik Messenger service uploading images of underage girls engaged in sexual acts. Harding is accused of sharing the photos under the username “desthfromabovee.”

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