By Larry Flowers
WSMV
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A 42-year-old Rutherford County paramedic was charged on Friday with sexually exploiting a minor three years ago.
Christopher Bryan is accused of showing inappropriate pictures to an 11- or 12-year-old girl, making her take off her clothes and then making her touch herself. The child is now 14.
“The victim had been sexually assaulted several years prior,” said Officer Kyle Evans of the Murfreesboro Police Department. The suspect allegedly made her take off her clothes and made her perform certain sexual acts.”
Police are looking to see if there may be other victims.
“This charge is based on just one occurrence, and we’re still investigating whether this may have occurred more than one time with this victim, and we’re also looking to the possibility that there may be other victims,” Evans said.
Rutherford County Emergency Medical Service officials have placed Bryan on administrative leave with pay until the investigation is over. He was booked on a $5,500 fine and is scheduled to appear in court June 10.
“It’s just allegations towards a complaint, and it’s being investigated, and we will go with whatever the Murfreesboro Police Department says,” said Randy White, Rutherford County EMS, EMA spokesman.
There are more than 150 employees of Rutherford County EMS who cover more than 600 square miles. Before an EMT or paramedic is hired, they are put to the test. Emergency management officials said the public doesn’t need to worry about being afraid to be treated or ride aboard one of the county’s medic units.
Rutherford County EMS officials said they wanted to stress to the public that the allegations against Bryan did not happen while he was on duty.
“Our main priority is maintaining public trust. We go into places, invited into people’s homes, and we want everyone to know we do everything humanly possible to screen our employees to make sure the public is safe,” White said.
Bryan has been a Rutherford County paramedic since 1991.
The Department of Children Services is also investigating this case.
Republished with permission from WSMV.