WEST MEMPHIS, Ark.— Evolve Bank & Trust CEO Bob Hartheimer, 68, has been arrested on two child-pornography-related charges, according to Shelby County, Tennessee’s inmate records. He is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distributing obscene material, Banking Dive reported.
An Evolve spokesperson told Banking Dive that Hartheimer has been terminated from his role following the arrest.
“We are in close contact with the U.S. Attorney’s office and have been assured that this is a personal matter and does not relate to the Bank or its operations in any way,” the spokesperson said. “That said, we have offered our full cooperation as they investigate.”
Blake Ballin, Hartheimer’s attorney, told Banking Dive via text that he has no comment, as the case is under seal. He said he did not know when the case would be unsealed.
A source close to the bank told Banking Dive that Hartheimer had been taken into Federal Bureau of Investigation custody at his office regarding a personal matter. The CEO’s arrest has “nothing to do with the bank. No warrants were executed against bank or bank property,” the source said.