Towson University Officer Charged With Child Pornography

TOWSON, MD—A Towson University police officer is behind bars and charged with two counts of distributing/promoting child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. Baltimore County police said they arrested 53-year-old Peter Publico, a corporal with the university police, Monday morning.

Police said an investigation into Publico began after they discovered that in February, he electronically distributed child pornography to others. Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for Publico on June 18. Publico ultimately turned himself into police.

Publico is currently held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on a no bail status pending a bail review hearing.

Following his arrest, Towson University issued the following statement to WBAL-TV.

"TU takes this matter very seriously. The individual is suspended without pay, restricted from campus and his law enforcement duties have been revoked. The individual is in custody at the Baltimore County Detention Center," the statement said.

Detectives from the Baltimore County Crimes Against Children Unit are investigating this case. Anyone who may have additional information on this incident is asked to contact detectives by calling 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous.