Updated

A staffer for Kansas Rep. Tim Huelskamp has been arrested and charged with 17 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, Fox News confirmed Saturday.

Staffer Matthew P. Pennell was arrested Thursday following an investigation by Dodge City police and the Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

A Ford County jail official said this weekend that Pennell is being held on $75,000 bond.

Mark Kelly, chief of staff for Huelskamp, a Republican, said in a written statement that Pennell has been place on unpaid leave but declined comment citing a pending investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.