A police chief who was on trial for the sexual abuse of a minor committed suicide.

Former police chief, who was arrested earlier this month on charges of attempted sexual abuse of a child in the United States, took his own life.

52-year-old Anthony Russo, who was working at Riverside County Jail, was found dead last Friday at his home near Arrowbear Lake. The San Bernardino County Coroner's Office confirmed that the cause of death was suicide.

The incident began with a tip-off about Russo on December 10. An undercover detective contacted Russo, posing as a 15-year-old child. During the investigation, it was determined that Russo had shared obscene content and wanted to meet to engage in sexual relations with the so-called child.

The day after the tip-off, Russo was arrested at Larry D. Smith Jail, where he was employed. Initially taken into custody on two felony charges, Russo was later charged by the prosecution with "distribution of harmful material." After his arrest, Russo resigned from his position and was released on a $50,000 bail.

Details regarding Russo's death, who was expected to appear in court on January 24, have not yet been disclosed. The County Sheriff's Department stated that the incident was outside their jurisdiction and expressed condolences to Russo's family and loved ones for this tragic loss.