South Lake Tahoe Police officers say they arrested a South Lake Fire Captain on a felony charge of sexual exploitation of a child.
44-year-old Mark Wygant was arrested on Thursday and placed on paid administrative leave, pending results of a federal criminal investigation.
South Lake Tahoe city representatives say they received an internal tip about the alleged crime and started an investigation. Authorities say they found a flash drive containing child pornography inside a work locker.
“I want to commend the Fire Chief, Police Chief, investigative team and the South Lake Tahoe office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their cooperation and professionalism in this matter. The type of conduct as alleged in the FBI's affidavit is unacceptable for any public employee; it will not be tolerated and will be aggressively investigated. This alleged conduct is in complete contrast to standards and expectations we have for City employees and is not representative of the caliber and professionalism of the South Lake Tahoe public safety employees who continue to serve the public with honor every day,” said City Manager, Nancy Kerry.
Wygant was booked into the El Dorado County Jail and then transferred by the FBI to a federal holding facility.
To read the criminal complaint, click on this line. WARNING: Graphic content.
