Al Zimmerman, spokesman for the Department of Children and Families, was arrested today on charges of producing child pornography. At least one child was in state care, officials said.

According to a news release

from Attorney General Bill McCollum's office: "Investigators determined that at least two victims between the ages of 16 and 17 were solicited by Zimmerman to perform lewd acts, which were used by Zimmerman to create child pornography. The criminal investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available at this time."

Zimmerman was arrested in Lakeland, where his parents live, and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on eight counts of using a child in a sexual performance. Each count is punishable by up to 15 years.

The 40-year-old Zimmerman was hired at DCF in March 2005. He previously worked as a reporter for BayNews 9.