A former deputy mayor and now councillor of the City of Stirling has been charged with possessing child exploitation material.
Keith Sargent, 44, was arrested on Thursday after police conducted a search at his residence in Mirrabooka.
Police said detectives from the WA Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team carried out a search warrant at an address in the northern Perth suburb where several electronic items were seized.
Detectives will allege material consistent with child exploitation material was located.
In a statement, the City of Stirling said it was aware of the allegations against Mr Sargent and was fully cooperating with authorities.
Mayor Mark Irwin said it had been a "pretty tough couple of days" for the community.
"We're dealing with a lot of emotions at the moment as we come to terms with the news," he said.
News of the allegations against Mr Sargent has hit hard.
"I'm gutted on behalf of the community. We all have high expectations of those that are trusted in the community," Mr Irwin said.
Mr Irwin said he was aware WA police had conducted a statewide sting.
"The City of Stirling condemn any criminal activity, especially those involving allegations of child exploitation," he said.
Although the matter against Mr Sargent is yet to be determined by the court, Mr Irwin said he had written to Mr Sargent to 'urgently' request his resignation.
Mr Sargent appeared before Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with two counts of possessing child exploitation material.
He was granted bail and will next appear in court on September 29.
