TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office arrested Tulsa Area Emergency Management Executive Director Joseph Kralicek for child pornography on Aug. 7.
Court records show investigators got a tip about a Kik account with child pornography on July 3 and traced it to Kralicek. Kik reported the account because it showed "apparent child pornography."
Detectives viewed 12 videos and one image of child sexual abuse material on the account. Detectives subpoenaed the account linked to Kik and traced it to Joseph Kralicek on July 10.
He was booked and released on a $50,000 bond.
WATCH: TCSO held a press conference to address the arrest:
Investigators identified the time stamps and IP addresses to find Kralicek utilized the account while at work. They also examined messages he shared with other users about child pornography.
He faces a charge of preparing or distributing obscene material or child pornography and buying, procuring, or possessing child pornography.
Deputies arrested him on August 7th:
Kralicek started working at TAEMA in 2018 and won an award in 2019 for his work during the 2019 floods.
The Tulsa County Board of Commissioners released a statement after his arrest:
Tulsa County is deeply committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of the public we serve. We understand that today’s news is concerning and may raise many questions.
This morning, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office arrested Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA) Director Joe Kralicek, in reference to a criminal investigation. Mr. Kralicek has been employed with TAEMA for nearly 11 years.
As this is now part of an active criminal investigation, all inquiries related to the charges or investigative details should be directed to the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office.
While the criminal justice process moves forward, Tulsa County remains focused on transparency, accountability, and upholding the public’s trust. We ask for the public’s understanding as we allow the legal process to take its course and continue to support the integrity of our organization and the communities we serve.
The City of Tulsa also released a statement about the arrest:
"The City of Tulsa is aware of the recent arrest of Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA) Director Joe Kralicek. These allegations are serious and deeply disturbing.
We are still gathering information and will fully cooperate with law enforcement and our partners at Tulsa County as the investigation proceeds.
At the same time, we are committed to working with our partners at Tulsa County to ensure TAEMA is staffed and leadership is in place to run the agency. At this time, Tulsa remains fully prepared to respond to any emergencies that may arise.
As this is an active legal matter, the City does not have further comment at this time."
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management told 2 News "OEM stands ready to support the City of Tulsa and Tulsa County with any emergency management resources or assistance they may need."
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