A WakeMed Police officer faces a $1 million bond on child sex charged.
Chad Penland was arrested Monday morning in Johnston County. He faces two counts of indecent liberties with a child and a charge of statutory sex offense with a child under 16.
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Penland surrendered to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office.
Penland has been a WakeMed Campus Police officer since 2023, and also worked there from 2014 to 2018.
"The individual was suspended from employment immediately upon notification of the criminal charges and arrest," said a WakeMed spokesperson. "These allegations from 2022 are profoundly concerning, particularly as they involve the safety and well-being of a minor."
Before working at WakeMed, Penland was with the Morrisville Police Department.
"While we understand these alleged offenses did not take place at WakeMed, we have zero tolerance for any conduct or behavior that threatens the safety and well-being of any member of our community," a WakeMed spokesperson told WRAL in a statement.