Surprise man indicted for sexually exploiting minor

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas today announced indictments in two cases involving people in positions of public trust, including a former Phoenix police officer living in Surprise, accused of victimizing children.

Former homicide detective Richard Michael Polk, 50, has been indicted on 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, a class two felony and Dangerous Crime Against Children, officials said.

According to the Phoenix Police Department probable cause statement, a search of Polk's Surprise home uncovered evidence of child pornography on the defendant's home computer and numerous thumb drives that contained video files that fit the criteria for the crime of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Thomas said: "Despite Polk's history in law enforcement, nobody is above the law. Our office will handle this case appropriately."

The May 9 indictment lists the dates of the alleged crimes as between Feb. 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008.

Also, David Wigton, 57, has been indicted on charges related to alleged sexual abuse of minor children. Wigton is an employee of Arizona's Child Protective Services. According to the agency, he was placed on leave when the allegations surfaced. None of the victims are associated with Wigton's cases at CPS.

"It is disturbing to discover that someone who worked with children for so many years can be accused of such crimes," Thomas said.

The May 9,indictment charges Wigton with:

• One count of Sexual Conduct with a Minor, a class two felony and Dangerous Crime Against Children and a Domestic Violence Offense.

• Two counts of Molestation of a Child, a class two felony and DCAC and DV.;

• One count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, a class two felony and DCAC and DV.

• Two counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a class six felony and DV.

• Two counts of Aggravated Assault, a class six felony.