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Tarpon Springs Police Officer Investigated for Facebook Photos

Some locals were offended by the images, which include what appear to be a sex toy and another of a police dog attacking an African-American boy in the 1960s, WTSP 10 News reports.

Officer Stephen Bergren is being investigated by the Tarpon Springs Police Department because of some suggestive photos on his Facebook page, WTSP 10 News reports.

Two images were discovered on the officer's page. One was of Officer Bergren holding what WTSP said appeared to be a sex toy at the crotch of his pants and into the mouth of his K-9 dog. In the photo, Bergren is in full uniform and standing in front of a Tarpon Springs Police Department cruiser.

The second image is from 1963, according to WTSP, and shows a K-9 officer's dog attacking a 15-year-old African-American.

According to WTSP, when asked about the photos, Tarpon Springs Police Chief Robert Kochen initially said there was nothing wrong with the photos and that the news organization was making a big deal out of it. 

After being informed that WTSP was going to ask locals what they thought of the pictures, the department revealed that it would conduct an investigation, the station reports.

See what local citizens had to say about the images in the complete video fromWTSP.

Carla Gibson September 30, 2012 at 05:16 pm
And THIS is supposed to be shocking?
The Tarpon Springs police ALWAYS had the reputation of being "shady" characters .. this story isn't anything surprising or new.
eileen murphy October 9, 2012 at 05:38 pm
yeah lets ask locals what they think of these pics! and this is who we have in charge of our community- wow. It seems like the undesirables now wear a badge, have a title after their name and call it good..sad

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Local Raw Honey
Denise Mannino June 20, 2013 at 06:45 am
YES! Tarpon Springs needs the Sunday Market - and maybe even more healthy opportunities for us toRead More gather around, visit, share local talents and products. It is essential for the vibrancy of any community to have reasons to come together, but all the reasons mentioned should not be underestimated - supporting local growers and cottage industries has amazing unquantifiable value. Bring it back! During the summer months, when it might be too hot for our morning market, the evenings are a beautiful gathering time. The morning market could continue in an evening version.
Robie Waterworth June 20, 2013 at 08:16 am
I agree, I am fighting for the return of the Tarpon Sunday Market