CHAFFEE, Mo. (AP) -- A police officer in this small southeast Missouri town faces four misdemeanor counts of patronizing prostitution for allegedly offering women cigarettes in return for watching them participate in sex acts.

Scott County deputies arrested Chaffee officer Daniel Ayers, 31, of Cape Girardeau, Monday. Ayers was fired after the charges were filed, Sheriff Rick Walter said.

Chaffee police chief Martin Keys contacted the sheriff's office late last month after a woman came forward with allegations against Ayers.

Walter said an investigation revealed that on four occasions, Ayers allegedly offered cigarettes to four female acquaintances if the women would expose themselves or carry out sex acts while he watched. Ayers did not participate in the activities other than as an observer, the sheriff said.

"People expect more from us," as law enforcement officers, Walter said.