A California Highway Patrol officer has been charged with possession of child pornography, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced today.

Robert Tamayo (dob 3/3/80) was charged yesterday in case BA462267 with one count each of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He made his initial court appearance today but arraignment was continued until Dec. 12.

Deputy District Attorney Amy Pellman Pentz of the Justice System Integrity Division is prosecuting the case.

In May, Tamayo is accused of sharing child pornography on a social media app. He also allegedly had more than 600 child pornography images on his computers and cell phones, the prosecutor said.

If convicted as charged, Tamayo faces a possible maximum sentence of five years and eight months in state prison.

The case was investigated by the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation after receiving a tip about the defendant from the FBI. The CHP also has cooperated with the investigation.

Los Angeles District Attorney / case BA462267 / October 27, 2017