Cleveland police patrolman indicted on child pornography charges

A Parma man, who authorities say was employed as a patrolman with the Cleveland Division of Police at the time of the allegations, has been indicted on child pornography charges. The Department of Justice released details Monday, saying 32-year-old Brandon N. Crites was indicted on one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. “Crites, between 2022 and 2023, received and distributed numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and possessed a laptop and hard drives that contained child pornography in September 2023, according to the indictment,” the press release stated. “At the time of the offenses, Crites was employed as a patrolman with the Cleveland Police Department.“ The Cleveland Division of Police says it became aware of the FBI investigation into Crites in September 2023 and immediately placed him on restricted duty assignments, working with no public contact. On Friday, Crites was arrested by the Cleveland Police Internal Affairs unit after an arrest warrant was issued. He was immediately turned over to the FBI. A spokesperson for the Cleveland Division of Police says Crites was relieved from duty after his arrest and will be suspended without pay pending “adjudication of the criminal charges.“ Crites was hired by the Cleveland Division of Police in January 2019 and had most recently been assigned to the basic patrol section in the second district. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer King. READ MORE: At 3News, we’re not here to tell you the news, we’re here to share the stories that you say matter most to you. Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns and engage in conversations about the communities in which we all call home. Follow 3News on Social: Facebook:    Twitter:    Instagram:    Visit our site:  And be sure to download our app here: