A Montgomery police officer has been removed from duty after he was charged with sexual abuse, his department announced.

Montgomery police said the department initiated disciplinary proceedings against a 27-year-old police officer, Markelle Cox, after he was charged with first degree sexual abuse.

As a matter of transparency, MPD relieved Cox of duty and placed him on administrative leave on October 21, 2023, after being made aware of the criminal allegations.

Cox who was assigned to the patrol division, joined MPD in 2022.