A Durham Regional Police officer is facing sexual-assault and child-pornography charges after an investigation by Ontario's police watchdog.

Constable Scott Andrew Terry of the Durham Regional Police Service was arrested on Wednesday and charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation, breach of trust, and making and possessing child pornography.

The charges relate to incidents that allegedly took place over several months between 2000 and 2001 and involved a female complainant, according to a press release issued by the Special Investigations Unit.

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Constable Terry was released on bail under conditions that prevent him from leaving the province, communicating with the complainant and possessing firearms or other weapons. He must also abstain from drugs and alcohol.

The SIU began looking at the case in October of 2011. The arms-length agency investigates reports involving police whenever there has been a death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.

Constable Terry will appear before a provincial court in Oshawa on Feb. 7.