The Covington Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, through its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, in conjunction with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office Special Victims Unit Task Force and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, has arrested a Mississippi correctional officer on felony child exploitation charges.
Ryan Donivan Lich, age 28 and of Hattiesburg, MS, a correctional officer employed by the Forrest County Sheriff's Office, was arrested and charged with 1 Count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, 1 Count of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile / Child Grooming, and 1 Count of Computer Aided Solicitation of a Minor.
***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***
Forrest County Sheriff Charlie Sims confirmed that Lich was employed as a correctional officer and was terminated at the time of his arrest, which occurred as he was clocking in for his shift. Lich was initially held at the Lamar County jail before being extradited to Louisiana. The Mississippi Attorney General's Office assisted with his arrest.
Chief of Police Michael Ferrell released the following statement:
"It is always disheartening when we have to arrest someone who wears a badge and has taken an oath to protect and serve. Ryan Lich was entrusted with the safety of others in his community with a responsibility that demands the highest standard of conduct both on and off duty. Instead, he chose to use that same internet that parents trust law enforcement to police, to target a child. That is a betrayal of everything this profession stands for. Let this be a clear message: no title, no badge, and no uniform places anyone above the law. We will hold everyone accountable, regardless of who they are or what they do for a living."
The Covington Police Department thanks the following agencies for their assistance and partnership in this investigation: Forrest County Sheriff's Office, Lamar County Sheriff's Office, Mississippi Attorney General's Office, and 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office Special Victims Unit Task Force.
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