A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer was arrested and charged with child abuse in Iredell County on Wednesday. Officer Matthew Michael was arrested Wednesday afternoon, according to Iredell County Sheriff’s Office records.

The Matthews Police Department arrested Jean Paul Vaca-Lopez on Thursday after an investigation into the distribution of child sexual abuse material. The investigation began on Jan. 14 when Matthews Police received a tip through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) database.

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer has been charged with child abuse after an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Johnny Jennings said on Wednesday.

Officer Matthew Michael, 48, faces the charges in Iredell County. He has been placed on unpaid administrative leave while CMPD conducts an internal investigation. The alleged abus