PHOENIX (FOX 10) - A former Phoenix police officer is accused of sexually abusing a family member when he was in high school and the victim was in kindergarten.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, 28-year-old Michael Mason, an officer with the department for three years, committed the abuse 12 years ago.
Prior to being hired as a police officer, Mason was hired as a Phoenix police civilian employee in 2011.
"I am shocked and appalled to hear the details of this investigation," Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said. "I am confident in the investigative process, as well as the current stringent hiring and background investigation process under my watch as police chief. It is incumbent upon our organization to review these processes to ensure we are making every effort to detect and address these types of incidents."
Sgt. Vince Lewis says Mason resigned before being booked into jail on one count of sexual conduct with a minor.