CNN producer Rick Saleeby, who allegedly fantasized about abusing a minor girl, resigned earlier this month, the network said Wednesday.
“Rick Saleeby does not work for CNN. He resigned from his position two weeks ago,” a CNN spokesman told The Epoch Times in an email.
The spokesman declined to answer follow-up questions.
Project Veritas said it contacted the mother of the child and CNN after obtaining the messages.
The Fairfax County Police Department told the journalism nonprofit that it has launched an investigation “into serious allegations involving potential juvenile victims.
“While we will eventually be transparent about our findings, safeguarding the personal privacy and safety of victims and witnesses as well as maintaining the integrity of our criminal investigation are of paramount importance. At this time, we are not in a position to provide additional detail on the scope or nature of this investigation,” the agency added.
The department did not respond to questions about the situation.
Saleeby did not respond to a request for comment sent to his lawyer.
Saleeby appeared at court in Fairfax County in an unrelated matter on Tuesday. He did not answer questions outside the courthouse.
John Griffin, a longtime producer for CNN’s “New Day,” is alleged to have pressured parents to bring their daughters to a home he acquired in Vermont to engage in illegal sexual acts.
The pressure worked in one case, according to charging documents filed in Vermont and Nevada.
Griffin convinced a mother to fly with her daughter from the latter state and they spent time together at the Vermont home.
Griffin and the woman are accused of engaging in sexual acts with the girl, 9.
Griffin, who pleaded not guilty last week, told law enforcement he was “ashamed” following his arrest.
Griffin’s lawyer has declined to comment.
Griffin faces up to life in prison if convicted of a single count.
