A Georgia police officer has been arrested and charged with child molestation and sexual battery against a child.

The Gwinnett County Police Department said that the investigation began in late July when a supervisor noticed “inconsistencies in the patrol activities” of one of his officers.

Investigators called in the Special Victims Unit when they discovered allegations involving Officer Patrick Benjamin Ventura, 28, and a girl under the age of 16.

Ventura has been charged with two counts of child molestation and one count each of sexual battery against a child under 16 and violation of oath of office. He is being held without bond at the Gwinnett County jail.

Gwinnett police said that Ventura was hired in October 2020 and graduated the police academy in the spring of 2021. He has been served with a letter of intent to terminate.

Investigators said other details about the case would remain confidential.

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[Featured image: Patrick Benjamin Ventura/Gwinnett County jail]