An Arlington police officer was arrested Tuesday night on Camano Island after investigators served a search warrant tied to a child pornography investigation, according to the Island County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies served the warrant at a residence on Panoramic Drive around 7 p.m. on May 19.
Authorities identified the suspect as 41-year-old Dustin Bartlett, who works as an officer for the Arlington Police Department.
Sheriff Rick Felici said Bartlett was taken into custody on multiple counts of first-degree possession of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The Arlington Police Department has been notified about the arrest, according to the sheriff’s office. Bartlett has since been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and an internal investigation, the department said.
Bartlett was scheduled to make his first appearance in Island County Superior Court on Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators said the case remains active and that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The Arlington Police Department issued the following statement in connection with the arrest:
“The Arlington Police Department is aware of the arrest of one of its officers by the Island County Sheriff’s Office on allegations involving the possession of images depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and an internal administrative investigation. The Department’s administrative review will proceed in accordance with Washington State law, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and established departmental policy. The scope and timing of the internal investigation may depend in part on the status and outcome of the criminal proceedings.
These allegations are deeply troubling and, if proven true, would stand in direct opposition to the values, oath, and mission of this Department. The men and women of the Arlington Police Department have dedicated their professional lives to protecting the safety and well-being of our community, especially children and other vulnerable members of society.
Conduct of this nature, if substantiated, would be fundamentally incompatible with the responsibilities entrusted to law enforcement officers. At the same time, it is important to recognize that the officer is entitled to the same constitutional protections and presumption of innocence afforded to every member of our justice system unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The Department remains committed to ensuring that all administrative actions are conducted fairly, lawfully, and with respect for due process.
The Arlington Police Department is cooperating fully with the Sheriff’s Office while remaining mindful of the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation and the legal rights of all parties involved. Because this matter is an active investigation, the Department will have limited ability to comment further at this time.
No one is more committed to identifying and removing misconduct from the profession than the many law enforcement officers who serve their communities with integrity each day. Our department remains committed to maintaining the trust of the public through accountability, professionalism, and transparency.“
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