A Grifton police officer is facing child pornography charges, according to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office. 

Jason Lovick, 31, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. 

On Wednesday, SBI agents searched his Vanceboro home after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The tip contained information related to a Facebook account that had reportedly disseminated images of child sexual exploitation. 

That account was traced to Lovick, according to the State Bureau of Investigation.

When his home was searched, agents checked a number of devices at the home and seized Lovick’s cell phone before arresting him.

He was a corporal with the Grifton Police Department, where he transferred from the Craven County Sheriff’s Office.

His first court appearance was Thursday morning, and his next appearance is set for March 1.