FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now) — A Frederick City police officer is facing several charges related to child sexual abuse material following a lengthy investigation in Pennsylvania, according to a public release.
The Frederick Police Department (FPD) said Cpl. James Dodson was charged with two counts of solicitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility by the Pennsylvania State Police.
In August 2024, an FPD officer became aware of a possible criminal misconduct and reported it to the command staff. Authorities noted that because the alleged incident happened in Pennsylvania so state police took over the investigation.
According to a Pennsylvania State Police affidavit, on Aug. 28, Dodson was using the Snapchat app to converse with his coworker’s wife, telling her he watched child pornography and preferred children from the ages of four to 15 years old. Court documents said he asked to see the woman’s son naked and added he would “love” to sexually assault a baby.
Following the allegations, Dodson was suspended and his badge, gun and department vehicle were taken away.
“He did not come into work. He did not hit the street, not once after we found out about these allegations,” said Frederick Police Chief Jason Lando.
Lando said Dodson was paid until he was officially charged on Monday, June 30, because of Maryland state law.
Dodson has been with the department for 18 years.
On June 30, the FPD Chief Jason Lando released a video statement saying Dodson’s charges represent the most severe betrayal of trust committed by a police officer.
“The conduct alleged against Mr. Dodson is despicable, inexcusable and fundamentally contradicts the oath of every police officer in our department,” Lando said. “At the Frederick Police Department, the expectation is crystal clear. Every employee, sworn or civilian, is expected to act with integrity, uphold the law and protect the people we serve, especially our most vulnerable.”
Members of the public questioned Frederick police why it took 10 months to make this public.
“To publicly release his name or any details of the case back then in August would not only have been inappropriate at the time. It likely would have tainted both the criminal as well as the administrative investigations,” Lando said.
Pennsylvania State Police found numerous images of naked children on his computers and phones. Investigators said during an interview, Dodson admitted to watching pornography of children under 10 years old.
“At this time, we have no information that anyone has any children in Frederick have been affected,” Lando said.
Lt. Matt Carrado said this is the only criminal investigation into Dodson they’re aware of and wouldn’t comment on any administrative investigations.
Retired Frederick Police Cpl. Dan Sullivan doesn’t believe they’re being truthful.
“The department clearly knew that other things were going on inside the department and outside,” Sullivan said. “With that said, the Frederick Police Department has some of the best officers in this country. There are bad eggs in every batch.”
FPD said the Montgomery County Police Department is leading an administrative/internal investigation.
Dodson remains in the Adams County Prison in Pennsylvania after being unable to post bail set at $100,000.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 27.
