A paramedic from Jefferson County has been suspended following his arrest on charges related to the aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, officials announced.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported that Marcus Vann Atkins, 30, was taken into custody at a residence in Jefferson City. His arrest, which occurred on Monday, came after a four-week investigation that followed a cyber tip-off. Atkins faces three counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, according to authorities.
Atkins, who serves as a paramedic with Jefferson County EMS and volunteers as a softball coach for South Jefferson Little League, has not been linked to any victims through his professional or coaching roles, investigators noted.
On Wednesday, Brad Phillips, Director of Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, announced that Atkins was placed on unpaid suspension once the agency was made aware of the investigation. This suspension will remain in effect pending the investigation’s results and any subsequent legal actions.
Phillips stated that the allegations involved the possible possession of child pornography, but there is currently no evidence connecting the victims to Atkins’ paramedic duties. An internal review has been launched to ensure that no illegal activities were conducted using the EMS’s equipment or systems.
“The dedicated men and women of Jefferson County EMS are committed to serving with professionalism, integrity, and compassion,” Phillips emphasized. “The actions under investigation do not align with our organization’s values or mission. We remain committed to providing the highest standards of care and accountability to our community and are grateful for the efforts of law enforcement in safeguarding our county.”
