Tamaqua Officer Christopher J. Cordes was charged by the Pennsylvania Attorney General Office Friday afternoon in Columbia County on 21 criminal counts including unlawful contact with a minor, child pornography and sexual intercourse with an animal.

Cordes, 29, is being held in Columbia County prison in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Chief of Police Michael J. Hobbs said he has been suspended indefinitely without pay for conduct unbecoming an officer.

Hobbs released the following statement, “Our office only just became aware of this situation this morning and we are not in a position to comment on the charges specifically. However, we are cooperating fully, and we will continue to cooperate fully in the Attorney General’s investigation of Officer Cordes. We are not aware of any allegations of inappropriate activity while Officer Cordes was on duty.”

He said, “The Borough and the Police Department will consider further action as more information becomes available on Officer Cordes’ criminal charges.”

Cordes was hired in Tamaqua in September 2021. His address is listed as Bloomsburg on the court papers.