Former deputy charged over alleged photos of naked prisoners

Former Pennsylvania deputy sheriff has been charged after prosecutors accused him of secretly photographing naked detainees, sharing the images with others and lying to investigators about his alleged conduct.

Ryan Gaffney, 46, was fired from the Bucks County Sheriff's Office in June and now faces charges including unsworn falsification to authorities, possessing an instrument of crime and obstructing the administration of law.

Prosecutors detail allegations

According to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, the investigation began after a tip alleging Gaffney photographed a man experiencing a mental health crisis while executing an arrest warrant in January.

Prosecutors claim Gaffney covered his body camera before using his personal mobile phone to photograph the man, who was naked from the waist down. Investigators also allege he previously shared a photo of another naked, handcuffed detainee with 12 personal contacts.

Allegedly lied to investigators

Authorities claim Gaffney later denied using his personal phone to take or distribute the images during a voluntary administrative interview and signed a written statement repeating that denial.

District Attorney Joe Khan described the alleged conduct as a betrayal of public trust, saying law enforcement officers must respect the dignity of people in their custody.

Attorney denies allegations

Gaffney's attorney said his client, a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process.

The defence argued there is more to the case than the public allegations and said it looks forward to presenting its evidence in court.

Gaffney's preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10.