Fairfax County police officer charged in 6-month-old daughter's death in Maryland

MONROVIA, Md. - A Fairfax County police officer has been charged in the death of his 6-month-old daughter in Maryland, according to officials.

Jason Colley of Monrovia, Maryland, turned himself in Tuesday morning in Frederick County. The child, Harper Colley, died on Oct. 31. Harper Colley was Jason Colley's daughter, according to officials.

The 38-year-old has been charged with child abuse in the first degree resulting in death, child abuse in the first degree resulting in severe physical injury, and felony assault in the first degree.

Jason Colley, who was a 10-year veteran of the force, was relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave on April 23, authorities stated.

"This is horrible. I'm not going to tolerate any unethical behavior by any of the officer," Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler said to FOX5's Marina Marraco on Tuesday.

He says is working to have Colley terminated.

"I am using the County personnel regulations and a code of Virginia to quick as quickly as possible. Separate. And I pray often for the victim in this case, the family, the men and women at Fairfax County Police Department who every day put their lives at risk, our community that supports, engages with us, this is absolutely horrible behavior. I'm not going to tolerate."

"The charges Colley faces are abhorrent," Fairfax Count Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. said in a written statement. "This afternoon I served Colley notice of separation from employment in accordance with Fairfax County Personnel Regulations and the Code of Virginia."

Andrew V. Jezic, attorney for Colley, released the following statement to FOX 5 via email:

"Jason Colley is innocent. He has an outstanding reputation among officers, neighbors, and friends for being a very calm and caring person. Jason loved his daughter beyond words. Harper, their first child, was a dream come true for him and his wife of 12 years. We intend to vigorously assert Jason's innocence at trial."

Jason Colley's bond was set at $100,000, according to officials. Jezic said he posted bond and is now at home.