RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A deputy is being charged with a felony and three misdemeanors in Wake County. Malik Tyshon Thornton, 29, was arrested by the Apex Police Department on Wednesday after warrants say he held a victim down to a bed "trying to get her aroused to have sex with him" by force and against her will. Former officer charged with sexual battery, kidnapping while on-duty; arrested in Triad A spokesperson for the Wake County Sheriff's Office, Rosalia Fodera, confirmed to CBS 17 that Thornton is a current employee and has been placed on administrative leave following the charges. A social media post from the sheriff's office in December 2023 identifies Thornton as a deputy. His employment with the sheriff's office, according to Fodera, began in September 2023. Booking photo of Wake County Deputy Malik Thornton. (CCBI) Fodera also confirmed that an internal investigation and review had been initiated in response to Thornton's charges, as of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. "We take any violation of the law seriously and are closely monitoring developments. We respect the legal process and will let it proceed accordingly," Fodera added. Thornton's charges are as follows: Felony assault by strangulation Misdemeanor sexual battery Misdemeanor assault on a female Misdemeanor crime of domestic violence Warrants also detailed that in the alleged Wednesday incident, Thornton kissed the victim's neck and strangled her with his hands. "Bruises around her neck" were also observed, "from necklace and hand marks by strangulation." As part of its response, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office also said it "holds all employees, both sworn and non-sworn, to the highest standards of conduct and integrity, both on and off duty. Our office’s commitment to providing service and maintaining public trust remains unwavering."