A South Bend Police officer has been charged in connection with allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old.

Mishawka Police learned of the allegations on October 5.

On October 19, Timothy Barber was charged with 2 counts of child seduction, one count of public indecency, two counts of official misconduct, and public nudity.

Barber was arrested in Elkhart Tuesday evening.

He is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday.

“We will always be dedicated to protecting and serving our community and we take all crimes and allegations seriously; even those involving our officers,” said South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski in a press release. “The officer was immediately relieved of duty two weeks ago when we were made aware of these allegations. Now that criminal charges have been filed, I will ask the Board of Public Safety tomorrow to place him on unpaid leave pending the criminal trial.”

“These allegations are disturbing and have no place in SBPD or the City of South Bend,” said Mayor James Mueller in a press release. “Chief Ruszkowski and SBPD will continue to work with partnering agencies and will move immediately to place this officer on unpaid leave until the conclusion of the legal process.