Cobb County Sheriff's Office employee charged with child molestation

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - An employee with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office is in custody facing two counts of aggravated child molestation.

Authorities say 44-year-old Ivan Munoz was "immediately terminated" following his arrest on Wednesday.

What we know:

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office described Munoz as a civilian employee working for the agency as a criminal justice specialist. 

According to authorities, officers with Marietta Police Department arrested Munoz early Wednesday morning after a criminal investigation.

An arrest warrant obtained by FOX 5 reveals that Munoz is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old victim multiple times on April 11 at a home in Marietta.

Ivan Munoz (Cobb County Sheriff's Office)

Marietta police said the allegations came to light Sunday after the young victim disclosed the abuse to members of her church. "An 8-year-old female had the courage to approach members of the congregation of her church Sunday," said Marietta Police Officer Chuck McPhilamy. "They immediately notified DFACS and local law enforcement."

Investigators say Munoz, a longtime family friend of the child’s parents, allegedly molested the girl twice on Saturday at his Marietta home. A heavy police presence, including SWAT vehicles, was seen outside the residence during his arrest. "It is an ultimate irony that this individual went from being a 20-year-plus employee to now being housed there as an inmate being held without bond," McPhilamy added.

Munoz had worked at the sheriff’s office since 2000 as a criminal justice specialist, a non-sworn civilian position. His employment was terminated immediately after Sheriff Craig Owens was briefed on the charges.

What we don't know:

It was not clear if Munoz had retained legal representation.

His next court appearance was not immediately known.

What they're saying:

"After being briefed on the investigation and pending charges, I immediately terminated this individual's employment," said Sheriff Craig Owens. "These are particularly egregious charges, and his behavior goes against everything we stand for in law enforcement. We must do everything we can to stop the victimization of innocent children."

Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief after learning of Munoz’s arrest. "There’s no words to explain, people you’ve known for years," said Maria Correa, a neighbor who said Munoz’s children often played with her nephews. "You never know who’s living next door."