A Chapel Hill firefighter has been arrested for three felony counts of dissemination of obscene material to a minor under 16 years old.

Police records show 53-year-old Jaime Ernesto Palacios was arrested on Tuesday morning when an outstanding warrant was served following a traffic stop. Documents show Palacios was taken into custody near Homestead Road and High School Road in Chapel Hill.

Palacios lives on Hatch Road in unincorporated Orange County, documents show. But police said the evidence suggests he disseminated the obscene material to minors while in Chapel Hill.

Police said he was immediately placed on administrative leave without pay and an administrative investigation is ongoing.

Palacios was hired by the town in March 2005, according to a police spokesperson.

The criminal investigation is ongoing and the State Bureau of Investigation is assisting.

Palacios was given a $45,000 secured bond and was scheduled to make a court appearance on Wednesday afternoon, according to records.

More information will be updated as it is made available.

Photo via Chapel Hill Police

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