The Alabama Bureau of Investigation arrested a Selma police officer Tuesday afternoon and charged him with rape, second-degree.

Christopher Harris, a veteran of more than four years, was booked into the Dallas County Jail and shortly thereafter released on $50,000 bond, according to Selma chief of police William Riley.

Riley informed the media of the arrest in an impromptu press conference held downstairs at City Hall during the Selma City Council meeting.

The charge is rape of a person less than 16 years old and older than 12 years.

Riley said his office began the investigation, and then asked the ABI’s assistance.

Riley said the public needs to understand there is a process to terminating Harris and that his office is doing the paperwork to “take this to the next level.”

At the time of the press conference, Riley said he had not spoken to Harris, but intended to soon. The chief said the case is still under investigation.

Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Jackson said Harris would appear for an initial hearing in District Court “in the next few days.”

This is a class B felony Harris is charged with, which carries with it a penalty of two to 20 years, if the police officer is convicted.

Jackson said the case would be presented to the grand jury at the end of the month.

This is the second arrest of a Selma police officer in as many months.

Robert Johnson, 27, a four-year veteran of the Selma Police Department was arrested in December and charged with a misdemeanor of receiving stolen property, third-degree.

Riley said the arrest stemmed from an incident in November when Johnson was placed on suspension after an internal investigation dealing with department issues.

Once Johnson was placed on suspension, he had to turn in his vehicle, equipment and other items belonging to the police department.

Because of a search of the police unit assigned to him, the department found a firearm. Investigators ran the serial numbers from the weapon, and then contacted the weapon’s owners who said it had been stolen.

Johnson’s case has yet to reach a disposition in municipal court.